RB Leipzig – FC Koln : Preview & Prediction
A 3-1 midweek UEFA Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade means RB Leipzig return to Bundesliga action with a smile on their face as they attempt to maintain a seven-match unbeaten run in the league (G5, E2). That streak is lengthening if you take into account only home Bundesliga matches for Marco Rose’s side (G6, E2), but with the last two games in that eight-game run resulting in draws, Leipzig are in danger of failing to win in three consecutive home league appearances for the first time since April 2021.
While the visit of struggling Cologne could prove beneficial, an inconsistent home record in league matches against their opponents (G3, E2, P1) suggests that it may not be easy to avoid that unwanted record. Marco Rose has a slightly better personal record against Cologne (G4, E2, P1) and the last meeting he managed against them occurred almost exactly two years ago to the date of this fixture, being a 2-0 home win while in charge of Dortmund on October 30, 2021.
Cologne will not be in the mood to have their enthusiasm spoiled by these historic omens, and come into this clash having won their first league game of the season on the previous matchday. A 3-1 win in the Rhine Derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach was not enough to lift them out of the bottom three of the Bundesliga table, but it was enough to make coach Steffen Baumgart cry after the game.
Those tears of joy could turn to tears of sadness as Cologne has been miserable on the road, being among a select group of five teams without a win away from home in Bundesliga action this season (E1, P3) prior to the start of this matchday. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that they have conceded goals after the 60th minute in each of those games, and allowing goals has been a recurring problem on opposition soil, with Cologne’s last clean sheet at an opposing stadium in Bundesliga being recorded in March.
Players to watch: Loïs Openda scored the fastest goal of the Bundesliga season last weekend, and he doesn’t like to waste time as the last three Bundesliga games in which he saw an opponent’s goal saw him score during or before the 20th minute. Florian Kainz scored a brace for Cologne last weekend, with his last four goals coming from the penalty spot.
Key statistic: Four of the last six Bundesliga matches between the two clubs have been scoreless in the first half.
RB Leipzig – FC Koln : Betting Tips
RB Leipzig – Win Odds: 1.35
