Bayer Leverkusen struggled to create significant scoring opportunities against St. Pauli, with Patrik Schick's 32nd-minute goal being one of the team's two shots in the first half, and they generated just 0.27 xG from open play over the full 90 minutes.

Under manager Xabi Alonso, the team has scored only three goals in their last four games, and their total of 64 Bundesliga goals after 30 matchweeks is 25 fewer than in their 34 league fixtures last season.

Die Schwarzroten will lose the title if they fail to win and Bayern Munich secures a victory against Mainz 05 on Saturday, although Bayern did lose to Mainz in the top flight in December.

The hosts' matches against Augsburg have been closely contested in recent seasons, with Leverkusen winning 2-1 in the reverse fixture on December 14, but they have lost two and won two of their previous four encounters, each decided by a one-goal margin.

Die Werkself have drawn their last two matches and were defeated in four of their previous seven games, securing three wins.

Leverkusen's form at BayArena has been unusually inconsistent, with two draws and two defeats in their five most recent home matches.

As for Augsburg, they performed excellently defensively against Eintracht Frankfurt, preventing the Eagles from having any shots in the first half and limiting them to just four touches inside the box.

The draw marked Augsburg's first clean sheet in four matches, though they have kept opponents scoreless in seven of their past 10 games.

Augsburg are currently four points behind sixth-placed Mainz, who hold the Conference League qualification spot, and that gap could narrow since Mainz faces Bayern on Saturday.

Head coach Jess Thorup has recorded only one loss in his last 10 games, with four victories and five draws.

Die Fuggerstadter's away form has been impressive, as they remain unbeaten in their last five road games, winning three.

Leverkusen will be without defenders Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, and Nordi Mukiele, with the latter possibly returning before the season ends.

Alonso has often selected Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie as a back three, and he may choose them for Saturday's match.

With attackers Alejo Sarco and Martin Terrier sidelined due to injury, the frontline is likely to feature Nathan Tella, Florian Wirtz, and Schick.

Visiting midfielder Arne Maier is suspended, so Kristijan Jakic and Frank Onyeka might pair up in midfield.

Striker Mergim Berisha could return before the campaign ends, but since he will miss this game, Thorup may start Samuel Essende over Fredrik Jensen and Alexis Claude-Maurice.

Center-backs Chrislain Matsima, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Cedric Zesiger could feature in defense due to Noahkai Banks's hip injury.

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick

Augsburg possible starting lineup:

Dahmen; Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Zesiger; Wolf, Jakic, Onyeka, Giannoulis; Jensen, Claude-Maurice; Essende