The Bundesliga side want to progress to the Europa League last 16 at the expense of the Reds as they prepare for an 'all-or-nothing' fixture on Thursday
Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl has described his side’s clash with Liverpool at “legendary” Anfield as “Christmas come early” as they target a Europa League upset.
The Bundesliga outfit held the Reds to a goalless draw at the WWK Arena last week and are determined to progress to the round of 16 by dumping Jurgen Klopp’s men out of the competition on Thursday.
"For most of us, coming here is a brand new experience, and we want to pull off an upset,” Weinzierl said in his pre-match media briefing.
"Tomorrow is like Christmas come early. Everyone is buzzing - nobody needs motivating. We'll do all we can to succeed."
The Augsburg boss is expecting to face Liverpool's strongest XI despite their showdown against Manchester City three days later in the League Cup final at Wembley.
Weinzierl also predicts Klopp’s side will operate at a higher intensity than they did in Germany, but warned of the threat his team possesses on the counter.
"I expect a full-strength Liverpool, even if they have a final to play on Sunday,” he said.
“It's an all-or-nothing game. I expect Liverpool to be more proactive and try to score an early goal. We know our strength on the counter though and know that if we score one, they will have to score two."
Midfielder Tobias Werner added: “Liverpool have quality players, but even they put their trousers on one leg at a time. We back ourselves to progress."
Augsburg currently have what Weinzierl labelled a “bit of an injury curse” with Markus Feulner out after having surgery on a fractured cheekbone and Ji Dong-won nursing an illness.
Raul Bobadilla (thigh) and Daniel Baier (ankle) are both still doubtful, but Jan Moravek is fit again.
- Goal