Cologne vs Hoffenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Having steered clear of the drop last season, Cologne kick off their 2026-27 campaign against Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – ESPN+
Cologne preview: Seeking to push on
Cologne, in their first season back in the Bundesliga following promotion, struggled for much of the campaign but they eventually managed to steer themselves clear of the bottom three and the danger zone.
Now under the management of Rene Wagner, Cologne have made some intriguing signings this summer. Reigan Heskey, son of former England international striker Emile Heskey, has joined from Manchester City for £8 million, while Australia international Paul Okon-Engstler has also arrived after impressing for The Socceroos at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Hoffenheim preview: Entertaining Hoffenheim
In dramatic fashion, Hoffenheim narrowly missed out on the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots on the final day of last season but the entertaining visitors have stuck by former Sturm Graz boss Christian Ilzer to rebuild again.
Hoffenheim have backed Ilzer with some significant spends this summer, following the sale of Bazoumana Toure to Newcastle United. Hoffenheim have signed the likes of Adam Daghim and Nathan De Cat for sizeable fees, among a few others.
Cologne team news: Maina a doubt
Cologne forward Linton Maina succumbed to a leg injury just this week and so is now a doubt for their opener, while Sebastian Sebulonsen and Timo Hubers are confirmed absentees.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Schwabe; Van den Berg, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Mensah; Krauss, Skhiri; El Mala, Johannesson, Heskey; Waldschmidt
Unavailable: Sebulonsen (Injured), Hubers (Injured)
Questionable: Maina (Injured)
Hoffenheim team news: Lemperle suspended
Versatile forward Tim Lemperle begins the season suspended, with Austria international defender Alexander Prass also sidelined through injury and Andrej Kramaric a key doubt.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Baumann; Gendrey, Kabak, Hranac; Coufal, Avdullahu, De Cat, Bernardo; Daghim, Wimmer; Hlozek
Unavailable: Prass (Injured), Lemperle (Suspended)
Questionable: Kramaric (Injured)
Cologne vs Hoffenheim prediction
Hoffenheim have been able to bring in some really strong signings this summer and there should be some trust put into Christian Ilzer who, after a slow start to his time in Baden-Wurttemberg in late-2024, has transformed them. Cologne are also expected to be a touch more proactive this time around so, while Hoffenheim are favourites for this, both teams scoring may well also be a decent bet for this one.
Cologne vs Hoffenheim tip: Both teams to score
