FC Koln vs B. Monchengladbach Prediction & Tips
This weekend’s Bundesliga action includes the 126th Rheinland Derby, a battle between Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach, whose earliest clash came back during the 1950/51 Oberliga West campaign in a 6-2 victory for the ‘Billy Goats’. With just 26 miles separating the two sides as the crow flies, this is one of Germany’s fiercest rivalries and it’s Gladbach who hold the stronger H2H historical record, winning 47% of the previous 125 competitive meetings (W59, D22, L44).
That doesn’t make for good reading for Cologne, who enter this next meeting winless across their last five Bundesliga outings (D3, L2). Regardless, the hosts have 15 points on the board from their opening 12 Bundesliga matches (W3, D6, L3), five more than at this point last season, as they continue to eye a surprise push for European qualification. Although the lack of any clean sheet across that stint remains a grave concern.
The hosts’ defensive frailties are likely to be exploited by rivals Gladbach again here, who put four past Greuther Fürth last time out (W 4-0) en route to their third competitive victory across their past four outings (D1). That upturn in form has pushed Adi Hütter’s side to within three points of the Champions League qualification spots ahead of this matchday, a competition Gladbach will be desperate to return to after a year-long hiatus.
The visitors’ poor away form continues to hinder their progress up the table though. That’s because the ‘Foals’ have won just one of their six away league outings so far (D1, L4) whilst they’ve now conceded in each of their last ten Bundesliga away clashes – their longest such streak since the 2015/16 campaign!
Players to watch: Cologne’s Sebastian Andersson has only managed one Bundesliga strike this season, though he’s netted twice in three previous individual H2Hs. Meanwhile, Gladbach playmaker Lars Stindl recorded a hat-trick of assists last time out and will be looking for more here!
Hot stat: Cologne have scored seven headed goals so far this campaign – the Bundesliga’s highest such tally.
FC Koln – B. Monchengladbach FREE TIPS
B. Monchengladbach – Win @ 3.25
Both teams to score / YES @ 1.80
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90
