FC Koln vs Werder Bremen prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2024-02-15 19:30.
Since sacking former manager Steffen Baumgart, Cologne’s form has taken a turn for the better under new coach Timo Schultz (W1, D3, L1), scoring first in all four games that saw them collect points. After conceding an injury time equaliser at Hoffenheim last weekend (1-1), it will have felt like two important points dropped as they begin this matchday five points from safety, that result did at least mark a third successive league game unbeaten for the first time this season (W1, D2).
Their sole defeat in 2024 so far came at home, and even though the hosts come into this match with the third-worst Bundesliga home record this season (W2, D3, L5), four of those five defeats came against teams from the current top eight, a position visitors Werder Bremen sit below. Cologne did at least beat one of those top-eight sides in Frankfurt in their last home league game (2-0), and with 2005 marking the last year that they lost a home H2H (W5, D6 since), more success could follow here.
Werder Bremen made a flying start to 2024, remaining unbeaten across the first four matches (W3, D1) and claiming three consecutive wins in the process, something they last achieved in the Bundesliga in March 2019. They did ruin the club’s 125-year anniversary celebrations by losing 2-1 at home to Heidenheim last weekend, a result which was their first league loss in seven (W4, D3) and complicated their bid for a European spot.
The River Islanders have particularly shone on the road of late, where they remain unbeaten in four outings (W2, D2), a run which included a memorable win against Bayern Munich. In fact, that streak has seen them deliver eight of their nine away points this campaign, though another quick start may be needed to build on that haul here as the visitors have taken just one away point after conceding first.
Players to watch: Faride Alidou has scored two goals in the last three games for Cologne, with both of those strikes acting as match openers. Justin Njinmah has been directly involved in six Bundesliga goals this season (G4, A2) with Bremen avoiding defeat in his five league games that saw him contribute to the scoring (W3, D2).
Hot stat: Cologne have seen a league-high ten Bundesliga games produce exactly two match goals this season (W1, D6, L3).