Hoffenheim vs. Augsburg: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Richards was an unused substitute as Hoffenheim came from behind to draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach prior to the winter break, but should return to the starting line-up at the weekend. The US international defender, enjoying a second loan stint in Sinsheim from Bayern Munich, is set to make his 30th Bundesliga appearance. Another youngster with Bayern history could also get the nod, with midfielder Angelo Stiller expected to benefit from Diadie Samassekou's call-up to Mali's Africa Cup of Nations squad. Munas Dabbur and Georginio Rutter started against Gladbach, but Ihlas Bebou is pushing for a recall in attack, alongside Andrej Kramaric. Unbeaten in six, Sebastian Hoeneß's side could climb as high as third, if results go their way.

Augsburg wintered down in 15th, only a point above the relegation play-off spot occupied by VfB Stuttgart, despite drawing two and winning one of their last three. Needless to say, the arrival of American prospect Pepi provides a timely lift for a team looking anxiously over their shoulders, and in need of a regular goalscorer. The 18-year-old's tally of 13 goals in 31 Major League Soccer appearances this season for FC Dallas - incidentally the former home of Richards - suggests that is exactly what they're getting. Although Augsburg reportedly paid a record fee for his services, the seven-time USMNT international may well begin this one on the bench as he dips his toe into German football. Reece Oxford is suspended, meanwhile, with the fit-again Felix Uduokhai his likely replacement in central defence.

Match stats

Kramaric needs one more goal to reach 100 in competitive games for Hoffenheim. He's scored twice in this season's Bundesliga, whilst registering seven assists, including a hat-trick of the latter against Augsburg on Matchday 1.

Hoffenheim have collected 16 from a possible 18 points from their last six home games.

Hoeneß's team are league leaders in terms of goals scored in the last 15 minutes of games (12).

Pepi made his senior US debut in September, registering a goal and two assists, and hit a brace of goals on his next outing.

Augsburg have lost only one of their last six games (W2, D3).

The Fuggerstädters' triumph in Cologne on Matchday 15 remains their only away win of the campaign, however.

Probable line-ups

Hoffenheim: Baumann (c) - Posch, Vogt, Richards - Akpoguma, Stiller, Geiger, Raum - Baumgartner - Bebou, Kramaric

Out: Adams (illness), Bicakcic (not included), Samassekou (Africa Cup of Nations), Skov (thigh)

Doubtful: Adamyan (not included), John (match fitness), Nordtveit (illness)

Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

Augsburg: Gikiewicz - Gumny, Gouweleeuw (c), Uduokhai, Iago - Caligiuri, Maier, Dorsch, Vargas - Hahn, Zeqiri

Out: Finnbogason (match fitness), Koubek (not included), Oxford (suspended), Pedersen (knee), Strobl (knee)

Doubtful: Niederlechner (knock)

Coach: Markus Weinzierl