Two clubs that celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga last season meet at the RheinEnergieStadion this Sunday afternoon as FC Koln host Hamburger SV in what promises to be a tasty encounter.
The Billy Goats come into this game on the back of some poor results, while Die Rothosen will be looking to capitalise on a confidence boosting DFB Pokal win on Tuesday.
Can the hosts prevail in Sunday's clash, or will Hamburg earn three vital points? Read our FC Koln vs Hamburger SV prediction and preview to find out, but don't forget to also check out some of our other Bundesliga predictions.
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FC Koln vs Hamburger SV prediction: Hosts to show class
Key Stats
- FC Koln have lost four of their last six across all competitions.
- No Bundesliga game between promoted sides ended level since 2020, with seven home and six away wins.
- Hamburg are yet to concede in Sunday-held Bundesliga games this season.
- Hamburg have lost each game in which they conceded first this season.
Correct score prediction: FC Koln 2-1 Hamburger SV
FC Koln have faced some tough opponents in recent weeks – including all of the teams sitting in the top four – and they will finally be able to spread their wings against a conservative Hamburg side.
Hamburg are one of the weakest teams when it comes to scoring goals, and Koln will certainly fancy their chances as they look to shake off their poor run of results.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hosts backed to win
- HOME: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.60%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.80%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.30%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It's clear from these FC Koln vs Hamburger SV odds that the bookies expect a win for the home team.
Nevertheless, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: Hamburg have the edge
Heading into Sunday, Hamburg will be buoyed by their recent head-to-head record with Koln having lost just one of their last nine meetings – picking up six victories in the process.
Merlin Polzin’s men did a season double over Koln in the second tier last season, which included a 2-1 victory away at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Germany Bundesliga II 18/01/25
Hamburg
Cologne
Germany Bundesliga II 02/08/24
Cologne
Hamburg
Europe Friendlies 07/01/23
Cologne
Hamburg
Germany DFB Pokal 18/01/22
Cologne
Hamburg
Germany Bundesliga II 15/04/19
Cologne
Hamburg
FC Koln preview: Tested by the best
Koln have lost four of their last six competitive games, but a closer look at those fixtures reveals all four of those losses came against the current top four in the Bundesliga. Last month RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart handed Koln their first two defeats of the season, before Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich joined the fun in recent days.
The Billy Goats are without Timo Hubers, who underwent surgery on Monday after picking up a nasty injury against Dortmund. Luca Kilian, Jan Thielmann and Rav van den Berg are also doubts.
Predicted lineup: Schwabe (GK), Schmied, Martel, Heintz, Sebulonsen, Johannesson, Huseinbasic, Lund, Bulter, El Mala & Kaminski
Last five matches
- FC Koln 1-4 Bayern Munich (DFB Pokal)
- Borussia Dortmund 1-0 FC Koln (Bundesliga)
- FC Koln 1-1 Augsburg (Bundesliga)
- Hoffenheim 0-1 FC Koln (Bundesliga)
- FC Koln 1-2 VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga)
Hamburger SV preview: Confidence boosted by cup win
Hamburg head into Sunday’s fixture on the back of a 1-0 DFB Pokal win against Heidenheim. The victory certainly came at a good time for the club, as it ended their two-match losing run – a run which saw them suffer a narrow 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig and a home 1-0 loss against VfL Wolfsburg.
In terms of injuries, Hamburg remain without defender Warmed Omari. Portuguese forward Fabio Balde is a doubt, while Robert Glatzel will be looking to get a start.
Predicted lineup: Heuer Fernandes (GK), Capaldo, Vuskovic, Elfadli, Gocholeishvili, Sambi Lokonga, Remberg, Muheim, Philippe, Glatzel & Dompe
Last five matches
- Heidenheim 0-1 Hamburg (DFB Pokal)
- Hamburg 0-1 Wolfsburg (Bundesliga)
- RB Leipzig 2-1 Hamburg (Bundesliga)
- Hamburg 4-0 Mainz (Bundesliga)
- Union Berlin 0-0 Hamburg (Bundesliga)
Player to watch: Ragnar Ache
Ragnar Ache scored the opener against Bayern in the midweek cup fixture, while he’s also netted in two of his last three meetings with Hamburg.
The forward is yet to get a Bundesliga goal this season, though considering he has scored 34 league goals across the last two seasons, it is only a matter of time before he kicks into gear.