Augsburg vs Sunderland - prediction, team news, lineups

Ahead of their first season back in the Premier League, Sunderland will travel to take on Bundesliga club Augsburg for a friendly clash on Saturday.

Fuggerstadter will be looking to continue their strong pre-season form, while the Black Cats are aiming to end their five-game winless run this weekend.

Match preview

Augsburg were comfortable in the German top flight last term under Jess Thorup, but they failed to make Europe or even the top half in 2024-25.

Fuggerstadter finished 12 in the table with 43 points, a comfortable 14 above Heidenheim in the relegation zone but seven behind ninth-placed Stuttgart, and they eventually parted ways with the head coach in May.

The club later appointed Sandro Wagner as their new boss in July, and in order to get the squad up to speed with the new head coach's instruction, they have played seven pre-season fixtures.

Under Wagner, Augsburg have won five and lost two of their friendly clashes, renewing their confidence ahead of a return to league action later this month.

However, fans would be forgiven for being concerned about Saturday's game given that Fuggerstadter have won just one of their last six away games, losing four and drawing the other.

Meanwhile, Regis Le Bris's Sunderland made it back into the Premier League after an eight-year exile after winning the play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley.

The Black Cats ended up fourth in the Championship following their 46 regular-campaign games, with their tally of 76 points leaving them 14 shy of automatic promotion.

In order to prepare for the harsh reality of top-flight football after seeing the promoted teams struggle in recent seasons, Le Bris's men have played six pre-season friendlies.

However, Sunderland are now in need of a psychological boost having lost four matches on the bounce, and only winning once this summer, a 4-0 victory over sixth-tier side South Shields.

The Black Cats could extend their losing streak to five games on Saturday, a genuine possibility considering that they have lost their last three away fixtures.

Augsburg friendly form:

Sunderland friendly form:

Team News

Augsburg striker Steve Mounie should start up top on Saturday, supported by attacking midfielder Arne Maier and wide man Elias Saad.

Wagner is likely to select a back three of Maximilian Bauer, Keven Schlotterbeck and Noahkai Banks this weekend, with Robin Fellhauer and Mads Pedersen operating at wing-back.

As for Sunderland, they will be without 18-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg as he works his way back from an ankle injury, so expect to see summer-signing Granit Xhaka line up alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra in the centre of the park.

Ahead of the trio should be Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda and fresh face Simon Adingra, who should add some firepower to the Black Cats this season.

Augsburg possible starting lineup:

Labrovic; Bauer, Schlotterbeck, Banks; Fellhauer, Koudossou, Rexhbecaj, Pedersen; Maier, Saad; Mountie

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Mandava, Jones; Diarra, Sadiki, Xhaka; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra