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Augsburg make Dortmund favourites

Berlin - High-flying Augsburg insist hosts Borussia Dortmund are favourites for Wednesday's Bundesliga clash despite their opponents occupying last spot in the Bundesliga table and battling relegation.

Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund dropped back to the foot of the table on Saturday despite picking up a point in their goalless draw at fellow Champions League side Bayer Leverkusen.

Fifth-placed Augsburg are enjoying one of the best seasons in the club's history and romped to a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday while Dortmund are enduring their worst season for 30 years.

Borussia are waiting on the fitness of defender Lukasz Piszczek and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan while new signing Kevin Kampl is set to make his home debut at Borussia's Westfalenstadion.

Despite the 14-point lead his team holds over Dortmund in the Bundesliga table, Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl says they are underdogs.

"We will face an opponent who has a very strong squad and, although it sounds strange to say this with fifth place playing against 18th, they are certainly the favourites," said Weinzierl on Tuesday.

"With their fans behind them, Dortmund will do everything to get the three points and climb out of the bottom three.

"The situation is very interesting for us and explosive for Dortmund, because they have to win."

Klopp has said points are Dortmund's priority by insisting "I can't preach about relegation and in the next breath demand Champagne football" in the battle to stay up.

"We have to take the next step against Augsburg by using the advantage of playing in our own stadium," said Klopp, whose side face Juventus away in the Champions League's last 16, first leg, in three weeks.

"We can't worry about style in times like these, it's about points -- we need results."

Klopp's side was criticised for a lack of eye-catching football at Leverkusen, which the Dortmund boss fails to understand.

"Once we get some confidence back, then some of our footballing elements will return, but you can't please everyone," he added.

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