The Bundesliga's latest Rhine derby pits a Cologne side strong on home soil against a Bayer Leverkusen outfit whose form has collapsed in recent weeks.
Match News and Current Form
After stealing a late point against Union Berlin last time out, Cologne have now lost just one of their last five games in all competitions (W2, D2), so they come into this fixture looking to put further distance between themselves and the Bundesliga's bottom three. The Billy Goats begin this matchday sat just two points clear, though a return to home soil where they’ve won eight of their nine league points and are unbeaten so far this campaign (W2, D2) comes at the perfect time. Cologne could now remain unbeaten across their first five home games of a Bundesliga season for only the third time in the last 34 years, while they could also win successive home league matches for just the second time since the start of last season!
A 1-0 defeat to Marseille on Thursday ended Bayer Leverkusen’s perfect start to the UEFA Europa League and was a third loss across their last four competitive fixtures (W1). With just 13 points from eight matches so far, this is Die Werkself’s weakest start to a Bundesliga season in four years, while they’re at risk of losing three successive league matches for the first time since August 2022 here. A leaky defence that’s already conceded 16 goals this season - their third-most at this stage of a Bundesliga campaign - is partly to blame for their struggles, with 11 of those coming across their four league outings on the road (W1, D2, L1).
Head-to-Head History
Leverkusen have won each of the last five H2Hs, and are also unbeaten across their last five away matches against Cologne (W4, D1), last losing on this ground in December 2019.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Ten of Cologne’s last 11 Bundesliga home games saw both teams score.
Cologne start the round with the division’s joint-worst first-half record this season (HT: W1, D3, L4).
Leverkusen’s Bundesliga away matches this season are averaging 4.75 goals.
Only Bayern won more corners across the first eight rounds than Leverkusen (59).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Each of Said El Mala’s four goals for Cologne this season have come at home, three coming between the 50th and 70th minute. Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick has scored in seven of his eight Bundesliga appearances this season and has five strikes across seven Bundesliga H2Hs.
Cologne look to have no fresh issues, while Leverkusen are missing several forwards including Moussa Diaby.
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Betting Analysis
With this being a local derby and both sides’ matches witnessing plenty of goals this term, backing the draw and both teams to score here looks tempting.
Author: Nathan Evans