Koln host leaders Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga, following the Bavarian giants’ 4-2 extra-time win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
There are bound to be some tired legs in the Bayern ranks, given that they played 120 minutes of football against a Juventus side that almost knocked them out of Europe in midweek.
Having thrown away a 2-0 lead in Turin to draw 2-2, it was Bayern’s turn to claw back against Juventus in the second leg after having gone down 2-0 by halftime. The Bavarians thus suffered a massive scare before they scored twice to balance the scales, forcing the game into extra time and eventually winning 4-2.
Koln will be hoping to take advantage of the fatigued Bavarian players after their hard-fought match against Juventus, and plug the 7-point gap between themselves and 6th placed Mainz, who are currently holding the final European spot.
Lineups
Koln
Probable Starting XI (3-4-2-1): Horn; Heintz, Maroh, Mavraj; Hector, Lehmann, Vogt, Risse; Gerhardt, Bittencourt; Modeste
Bayern Munich
Probable Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Neuer; Bernat, Alaba, Kimmich, Lahm; Alonso; Ribery, Thiago, Muller, Coman; Goetze
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have lost just twice in their last 27 games in the Bundesliga.
- Bayern Munich have won their last 5 games against Koln in all competitions.
- Bayern have scored at least 2 goals in their last 6 games against Koln in all competitions.
- Bayern Munich have won just once in their last 3 games in the Bundesliga.
Prediction
Koln 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern boast of the top scores as well as the best defensive record in the Bundesliga this season. Having suffered an almighty scare against Juventus in midweek, Pep Guardiola will have his boys on their toes to ensure that they do not lose further points. After all, they hold just a 5-point lead over Borussia Dortmund who are hot on their trail.
Odds (bet365.com)
- Bayern Munich win: 2/7
- Draw: 4
- FC Koln win: 10