Bayern Munich and FC Cologne are ready for what should be a lopsided Bundesliga matchup.
But this is an important game for the raining champions, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to FC Heidenheim. Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane found the back of the net. But it proved to be not enough, as Sven Ulreich allowed three goals to go in on four shots on target.
Conversely, Cologne saw themselves gain a little ground in the league table with a 2-1 victory over VFL Bochum. Steffen Tigges and Luca Waldschmidt each scored a goal. Marvin Schwabe started in net and had five saves from 11 total shots against him.
But do you think the away team will be able to find a way to at least steal a point, or is the home side going to run away with a large victory?
Bayern Munich vs. FC Cologne Notable Trends
Bayern Munich
As mentioned, this has been a year from hell in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich. Granted, they sit in second place, but that’s not the standard for the German Champions. That being said, they have 19 wins, three draws, and six losses this year. Furthermore, they have done well, netting 80 total goals, but they have been too porous at critical times on defense and have allowed 36 goals against.
Kane is leading the way, averaging over one goal per match. He has 32 to his name at the moment. Additionally, Leroy Sane has eight goals and 12 assists. Jamal Musiala has 10 goals so far. Finally, Thomas Muller has two goals and seven assists in 15 starts for the German side.
FC Cologne
The visitors hope to somehow avoid relegation. They are sitting second from the bottom with 22 points. But with 23 goals for and 49 goals against, there has been much that has gone right for this team this year. But they have been able to keep the game within a goal in three out of their last four matchups. And they hope to do so again today.
Florian Kainz has scored three goals so far, but his team needs to see him score at least a fourth one against Bayern Munich today. It’s important to note that he also has four assists on the year to lead the team. Also, Waldschmidt has three goals himself, and he’s looking to score in back-to-back fixtures. Finally, Schwabe has recorded three clean sheets and 28 starts. Although unlikely, it would be a welcome miracle if he was able to add a fourth today.
Bayern Munich vs. Cologne Probable Starting Lineups
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer (GK), Joshua Kimmich, Min-Jae Kim, Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, Harry Kane
FC Cologne: Marvin Schwabe (GK), Jan Thielmann, Timo Hubers, Julian Chabot, Max Finkgrafe, Linton Maina, Denis Huseinbasic, Dejan Ljubicic, Florian Kainz, Luca Waldschmidt, Sargis Adamyan
Bayern Munich vs. FC Cologne Head-To-Head
Surprisingly, Cologne has kept the last three matchups against Bayern Munich relatively close. Over the last three games against each other, Munich has held a 4-2 advantage. But in the calendar year 2023, there are only two narrow single-goal victories as well as a draw against today’s opposition. In the most recent game, Harry Kane netted the lone goal in a solo effort.
Bayern Munich vs. FC Cologne Injury Report
To the delight of Bayern fans, Manuel Neuer is expected to start, as the captain has dealt with injuries throughout this season. Additionally, Serge Gnabry continues to deal with a hamstring injury, and it’s not expected back until May. For the away side, Mark Uth. Luca Kilian, Justin Diehl, Florian Dietz, and Davie Selke will all miss today’s game due to an injury. Finally, Eric Martel will be unable to play against Bayern Munich as he is on a red card suspension.
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