1. FC Koln
- 1. FC Koln are 12th in the Bundesliga with 23 points from 22 matches.
- A run of two wins and three defeats from their last five games is putting some pressure on Ole Werner’s side to start climbing the standings.
- Werner has implemented a flexible three-defender system since taking over the reins in July 2025, and Koln have been a wing-heavy side for much of the campaign.
- A compact three-man defensive line allows Koln to push their wingers wide and build the play through the channels.
- Koln have lost twice in succession against RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
- Hoffenheim have been a completely different prospect since Christian Ilzer took over at the helm back in November 2024.
- His pressing, man-oriented approach has turned TSG 1899 Hoffenheim into an unstoppable force in the Bundesliga this season, and they have won four of their last five league matches, scoring 10 times in that run.
- Ilzer’s side are a high-intensity pressing unit that play with a fast tempo.
- Hoffenheim are third in the table with 45 points from 22 games.
Head-to-Head
In their two Bundesliga H2H meetings over the last few years, Koln have won once and drawn once, with Koln edging Hoffenheim 1-0 away four months ago .
Hoffenheim
Andrej Kramaric has been Hoffenheim’s main goal threat this season, netting nine Bundesliga goals in 22 appearances , but the Croatian striker has the capability to pop up with a goal at any time, having scored three of Hoffenheim’s last 10.
Koln
For Koln, Ragnar Ache has been their danger man in recent weeks, scoring three of their last five in the Bundesliga, but top scorer Said El Mala remains their main threat with seven in 22 .
Betting Insights
- In their 11 Bundesliga away days, Hoffenheim have won six, drawn three and lost just twice.
- Hoffenheim’s away defense is suspect, conceding 15 in 11 away games.
- Koln have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three home Bundesliga games.
- Over 2.5 goals is heavy favorite at 1.57.
- Odds for an away win are 2.18 and the draw 3.55.
Prediction
With the odds for an away win at 2.18 and the draw at 3.55 , we’re going for Hoffenheim to edge this one in what looks set to be a very open game between two sides that play very different ways.
