Borussia Dortmund vs FC Cologne Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Three points are a must here for Borussia Dortmund against FC Cologne after defeat last weekend in Der Klassiker.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+
Borussia Dortmund preview: Bayern too strong
The first big blow in the Bundesliga title race was struck last weekend as Bayern Munich got the better of Borussia Dortmund by two goals to one at the Allianz Arena. Niko Kovac’s side never recovered after Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead, Michael Olise doubling the hosts’ advantage in the second half. Whilst Dortmund did get one back through Julian Brandt, it was not enough to save them.
Since then, Kovac’s men have made the trip to Denmark for their latest league phase fixture in the Champions League. It was a successful outing as Dortmund overcame FC Copenhagen 2-4 in a thrilling encounter, that saw midfielder Felix Nmecha star with two goals from outside the box.
FC Cologne preview: Battle for Europe
FC Cologne enter this latest round of Bundesliga matches still in a European spot, but they could end up kicking off this game outside of the top six depending on results earlier in the day. They’ve lost just two of their seven league fixtures so far, picking up 11 points in total, including four from their most recent two games.
After narrowly defeating Hoffenheim by a goal to nil on the road, last weekend saw FC Cologne return home for the visit of Augsburg, who took the lead in what was an under-par performance from Lukas Kwasniok’s side. In the end though, they managed to fight back and rescue a point.
Borussia Dortmund team news: Up in the air
Borussia Dortmund's biggest selection debate is over Jobe Bellingham, who has underperformed when selected but remains frustrated at a lack of starts. The hosts also have a couple of doubts such as Emre Can and Julien Duranville.
Predicted XI: Kobel; Sule, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson; Guirassy, Adeyemi
Unavailable:
Questionable: Can (Injured), Duranville (Injured)
FC Cologne team news: No Thielmann
As they travel to the Westfalenstadion, Cologne are dealing with a few key absentees, such as big money summer signing Rav van den Berg, whilst Jan Thielmann is a fresh injury issue.
Predicted XI: Schwabe; Schmied, Hubers, Heintz; Sebulonsen, Bergmann Johannesson, Martel, Lund; Huseinbasic, Kaminski; Waldschmidt
Unavailable: Van den Berg (Injured), Thielmann (Injured), Kilian (Injured)
Questionable:
Borussia Dortmund vs FC Cologne prediction
Whilst Borussia Dortmund’s recent league form doesn’t look good, it’s important to factor in the opponents they have faced. Their last two games have come against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, their two biggest challengers when it comes to Bundesliga superiority. FC Cologne, despite their great start to the campaign represent a step down from those two clubs and that should be reflected in what we see at Signal Iduna Park.
Fatigue could prove an issue for the hosts the longer this match goes on after a Champions League away fixture this past week. But Niko Kovac boasts a squad strong enough to navigate through that and it’s well worth backing Borussia Dortmund to eventually overwhelm FC Cologne and pick up the three points.
Borussia Dortmund vs FC Cologne tip: Borussia Dortmund to win
