Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Koln prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2023-10-07 13:30.
Two of Germany’s biggest rivals meet here, as Bayer Leverkusen welcome Cologne to BayArena for the latest edition of this Rhineland derby. The hosts won again in midweek UEFA Europa League action, securing a 2-1 victory over Molde to extend their stunning early season form to nine unbeaten games across all competitions (W8, D1), as manager Xabi Alonso continues his rise as one of football’s most sought-after coaches.
Leverkusen’s home form has been a pillar of their run to the top of the Bundesliga standings ahead of this matchday, winning four out of four on home soil across all competitions and scoring at least three times in each outing. That record could be tested here though, as despite Cologne’s own slow start, the Billy Goats have won on their prior two visits to the BayArena.
“There is a big club and a not so big club here. I think we are the bigger club” are the words that Cologne manager Steffen Baumgart has previously used when talking about this derby, and he’ll be hoping that his side are up for the fight after their winless start to the season (D1, L5). Netting just four times – the joint-fewest of any side – has proven the main issue and it’s a problem that could continue with up to four attackers sidelined for this clash.
That lack of firepower was seen again last time out as Cologne went down 2-0 against Stuttgart, a result that also leaves the Billy Goats on a run of 14 Bundesliga outings without a clean sheet (W4, D3, L7). That streak includes a 2-1 win in this fixture last campaign, a result they’ll be desperate to repeat as they look to pull away from the relegation picture.
Players to watch: Leverkusen’s Jonas Hofmann has enjoyed playing against Cologne recently, directly contributing to seven goals (G1, A6) across his last six Bundesliga H2Hs. Davie Selke is Cologne’s top Bundesliga scorer with two strikes this season, the same number of goals he scored in this fixture back in May.
Hot stat: Nine of the last ten H2Hs at this venue have seen over 2.5 goals scored.