Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Cologne Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 DFB-Pokal | Quarter-Final
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DFB-Pokal holders Bayer Leverkusen’s quest to retain the German cup has led to a clash with 2. Bundesliga side FC Cologne in the last eight.
Kick-off date/time: Wednesday February 5th 2025: – UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Some matches will be televised on ESPN channels so it is worth checking their schedules
How to watch online: UK – DFB-Play / US – ESPN+
Bayer Leverkusen Team News: Schick should get his turn
After Victor Boniface was preferred against Hoffenheim at the weekend, Patrik Schick is expected to start up top this time around over the Nigerian. Andrich should come into the XI following his suspension at the weekend, whilst Frimpong could be rested in favour of Mukiele.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Mukiele, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Schick, Wirtz
Unavailable: Adli (Injured), Belocian (Injured), Terrier (Injured)
Questionable:
FC Cologne Team News: Visitors wait on Maina status
Linton Maina faces a late fitness to determine his involvement in this game, with Florian Kainz also a big doubt. At least five players will be missing for FC Cologne, including forwards Tim Lemperle and Mark Uth.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Schwabe; Hubers, Schmied, Heintz; Gazibegovic, Martel, Ljubicic, Pacarada; Waldschmidt; Downs, Tigges
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Kilian (Injured), Lemperle (Injured), Pauli (Injured), Uth (Injured)
Questionable: Kainz (Injured), Maina (Fitness)
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Cologne Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen understandably come into this quarter-final as firm favourites to progress through to the last four when taking into account their lower-level opposition. However, after being relegated from the Bundesliga last season, FC Cologne are looking well-placed for a return back to the top tier of German football at the first attempt. They currently top 2. Bundesliga with 11 wins, four draws and just five defeats across 20 league games.
FC Cologne have already gotten the better of one Bundesliga side in this season’s DFB-Pokal, that being struggling Holstein Kiel. The last round saw them defeat Hertha Berlin after extra time. Bayer Leverkusen however, represent a substantial step up in quality. Last season’s double winners are unbeaten in their last 19 domestic fixtures and have lost just one of their last 16 games in all competitions.
Expect Xabi Alonso’s side to boss the majority of play here and dominate for vast parts of this contest. Leverkusen’s strength-in-depth ensures their ability to keep putting pressure of FC Cologne in an attempt to wear them out the longer this match goes on. In the end, any outcome other than victory for the hosts by at least two clear goals would be seen as a shock.
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Cologne Tip: Bayer Leverkusen to win with -1 handicap
