FC Cologne vs Augsburg Preview: Team News & Prediction
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FC Cologne host Augsburg, who are coming off the back of a crucial victory that moved them out of the bottom three.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not streamed / US – ESPN+
FC Cologne preview: Back to winning ways
After having suffered back-to-back defeats to stunt what had been an excellent start to the campaign for FC Cologne, Lukas Kwasniok’s men got themselves back to winning ways last time out, beating struggling Hoffenheim 0-1. Whilst they were far from their best, Cologne got the job done and secured a vital three points.
The only goal in that game came from midfielder Said El Mala, who found the net after just 16 minutes. That proved to be enough, although Cologne had to work for it defensively, especially in the second half.
Augsburg preview: Losing run over
Augsburg’s tough losing run in the Bundesliga finally came to an end in the final round of fixtures before the international break. After having suffered defeat in each of their last four league matches, things finally clicked for Sandro Wagner’s side as they got the better of Wolfsburg by three goals to one.
An early goal after just three minutes set the tone for Augsburg and completed turbocharged the atmosphere inside the stadium. From then they never looked back and completed a well-deserved and much-needed victory.
FC Cologne team news: Two key attackers doubtful
FC Cologne could be missing two dangerous offensive players with both Marius Bulter and Jan Thielmann nursing injuries but each hoping they could be passed fit in time to play. Kilian and Van den Berg won’t feature.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Schwabe; Schmied, Hubers, Heintz; Sebulonsen, Martel, Johannesson, Lund; Kaminski, Ache, Lemperle
Unavailable: Kilian (Injured), Van den Berg (Injured)
Questionable: Bulter (Injured), Thielmann (Injured)
Augsburg team news: Man for man
Augsburg are likely to set up in a very similar fashion to the home side, with three central defenders, wing-backs being afforded significant attacking freedom and a front three with license to roam around the pitch and interchange with each other.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Dahmen; Matsima, Jakic, Banks; Wolf, Rexhbecaj, Massengo, Giannoulis; Rieder, Saad, Komur
Unavailable: Gouweleeuw (Fitness)
Questionable:
FC Cologne vs Augsburg prediction
Whilst FC Cologne are more than likely to come into this game as favourites, do not underestimate Augsburg, whose 3-1 win over Wolfsburg demonstrated that they do have what it takes to be a force offensively against any team. The victory will have served as a huge confidence boost and they won’t be afraid to try and take the fight to FC Cologne despite being away from home.
It’s hard to ignore the overriding ability to the FC Cologne players though and the home fans will expect their side to drive forward every chance they get. Two sides wanting to attacking should lead to an exciting battle for the neutral and it’s worth considering backing over 2.5 goals being scored.
FC Cologne vs Augsburg tip: Over 2.5 goals
