FC Cologne vs Freiburg Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The last game of a Bundesliga triple-header Sunday sees newly promoted FC Cologne look to build on their opening round triumph as they take on a Freiburg side who fell to a surprise loss.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Amazon Prime Video / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime Video / US – ESPN+
FC Cologne preview: Back in style
After winning the 2. Bundesliga last season, FC Cologne returned to the top flight with a point to prove and boy did they do that on the opening weekend. After soaking up pressure against Mainz. The visitors slowly grew into the game, then benefitted hugely from a Paul Nebel red card.
As Mainz began to tire, Lukas Kwasniok’s side struck, Marius Bulter scoring in the 90th minute to hand FC Cologne a priceless three points. This makes it two wins from two in all competitions to start the new campaign and a message that they aren’t back in the Bundesliga just to make up the numbers.
Freiburg preview: First-half horror show
A dreadful opening period essentially cost Freiburg their game against Augsburg, as they shipped three goals, including two past the 40-minute mark, making matters worse. A clear lapse of concentration from the home side and they were made to pay.
Whilst Freiburg attempted to mount a comeback and did get a goal back from the penalty spot just prior to the hour mark, it was too little too late for the hosts and they began the new season with a defeat. After finishing in fifth-place last season, this was not what was envisioned.
FC Cologne team news: Ache only worry
Aside from a knee injury rendering forward Ragnar Ache doubtful, Kwasniok should have a fully fit squad to choose from against Freiburg. Ache suffered the injury last weekend after coming off the bench against Mainz.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Schwabe; Schmied, Hubers, Krauss; Sebulonsen, Martel, Johannesson, Lund; Waldschmidt, Bulter, Kaminski
Unavailable:
Questionable: Ache (Injured)
Freiburg team news: Stick or twist
The big question from Julian Schuster’s point of view is whether he is willing to make changes following one bad result. Merlin Rohl is a contender to come in for Suzuki in the number ten role, whilst Jan-Niklas Beste could feature should he be passed fit in time.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Gunter; Eggestein, Manzambi; Dinkci, Rohl, Grifo; Holer
Unavailable: Kyereh (Injured), Matanovic (Injured), Rosenfelder (Injured), Treu (Injured)
Questionable: Beste (Injured), Osterhage (Injured)
FC Cologne vs Freiburg prediction
Whilst Freiburg may well be entering a fortress with FC Cologne off the back of victory and their fans expected to create a raucous atmosphere for their players to feed off, it would be foolish to write off Schuster’s men. Whilst the loss against Augsburg was massively disappointing, Freiburg enjoyed plenty of possession and really dictated play at times. They simply need to clean up at both ends of the pitch, protect themselves from the counter-attack and do more with the ball in the opposition danger zone. Only four shots on target last weekend tells a story.
This is a tough encounter to predict. FC Cologne have momentum and home advantage, but you could argue that Freiburg have superior depth and a more proven squad overall. In the end, it would be no surprise if the two clubs ended up being forced to settle for point, which in all honesty wouldn’t be a bad result for either.
FC Cologne vs Freiburg tip: Draw
