FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga
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THE FACTS
When is FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim on and what time does it start? FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim will take place on Saturday 16th September, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim
Where can I stream FC Cologne vs Hoffenheim in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, FC Cologne vs Hoffenheimcan be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
FC COLOGNE
FC Cologne are likely to have looked back at their most recent contest away at Eintracht Frankfurt as one they can take huge heart from, but an opportunity missed at the same time. After having led since the 43rd minute, the visitors will have no doubt been disappointed to have conceded in the final few minutes, denying them a first win of the new league season.
Although a point finally gets them on the board after beginning with two straight defeats, victories are needed urgently if they are to pull away from the bottom three. A home fixture here, followed by a trip to Werder Bremen certainly represents two realistic chances to gain maximum points.
HOFFENHEIM
Many were worried about Hoffenheim after a poor season in 2022-23 was backed up by defeat in the opening round of this Bundesliga campaign at the hands of Freiburg. Since that result though, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side have bounced back strongly, the obvious quality they possess within their attacking ranks reaping its rewards.
After coming from two goals behind to stun Heidenheim and beat the newly promoted outfit 2-3, Hoffenheim have since dispatched Niko Kovac’s Wolfsburg by three goals to one in Sinsheim. This despite them falling behind in the first half again showing their powers of resilience.
THE TEAM NEWS
FC COLOGNE
A large injury list is currently hampering FC Cologne, who are without several players for this match. One such asset who will be missed is central midfielder Eric Martel, the 21-year-old out with an Achilles injury. However, this should hand an opportunity to on-loan Genk midfielder Rasmus Carstensen.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Schwabe; Schmitz, Hubers, Chabot, Paqarada; Ljubicic, Carstensen; Maina, Kainz, Waldschmidt; Selke
UNAVAILABLE: Dietz (Injured), Katterbach (Injured), Martel, (Injured), Olsesen (Injured), Thielmann (Injured), Uth (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
HOFFENHEIM
Midfielder Dennis Geiger’s groin injury sees him miss out again for Hoffenheim and he is joined on the treatment table by Bambase Conte and Marco John. Forward Maximilian Beier is a doubt, but both Andrej Kramaric and Wout Weghorst are available for selection again after starting against Wolfsburg.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Baumann; Kabak, Brooks, Szalai; Kaderabek, Promel, Grillitsch, Skov; Kramaric; Bebou, Weghorst
UNAVAILABLE: Conte (Injured), Geiger (Injured), John (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Beier (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Hoffenheim are on a roll and will their fans will be hoping that the international break hasn’t stalled their momentum. They’ve yet to keep a clean sheet this season though and it would be no surprise to see FC Cologne extend that run with home advantage in their favour. But the visitors have established themselves as a dangerous unit going forward with goals across the pitch and it’s hard to see them being shut out over 90 minutes. Regardless of who comes out on top, back both teams to score here.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
