Hoffenheim – FC Koln : Preview & Prediction
Hoffenheim’s top-flight status appeared to be under serious threat when they failed to record a Bundesliga win in 14 attempts (E2, P12), but a remarkable turnaround in fortunes has seen them win three games in a row before securing an excellent 1-1 draw away to league leaders Bayern Munich last weekend. The pressure of relegation is temporarily off the shoulders of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who will be keeping an eye on their next opponent, Cologne, who sit just three points above his side in eleventh place.
TSG could overtake their visitors in the standings with a win here, something where recent history and bookmakers favor them. Prior to the 1-1 draw in the October meeting in the first round of this Bundesliga, Hoffenheim had won eight straight meetings between them by an aggregate score of 26-4, while the 50 Bundesliga goals they have scored against Cologne are the most they have scored against any opponent.
Cologne won’t be traveling to the PreZero Arena just to make up the numbers after putting together a three-game unbeaten streak (G1, E2), but winning just once in their last eight overall shows they are faltering offensively (E3, P4). In fact, that ‘killer instinct’ has been lacking in Steffen Baumgart’s side all season, as they have drawn the most Bundesliga clashes all season with 11.
However, the Billy Goats’ only win in those eight games came away from home, when they beat Augsburg 3-1 in their last away appearance. However, performances like that have been too few and far between for Cologne to gain any momentum on their travels, with only 12 of their 32 points this season coming on opposition soil.
Players to watch: Hoffenheim’s Christoph Baumgartner seems to love a date with Cologne, with his eight goal contributions (four goals, four assists) against this opponent helping them remain unbeaten in six meetings between them (G5, E1). Dejan Ljubičić could return fire for the visitors at any time, but tends to become more dangerous as the match progresses with six of his seven goals this season being registered after halftime.
Key stat: Cologne’s 13 points gained after.
Hoffenheim – FC Koln : Betting Tips
Hoffenheim – Win Odds: 2.25
