RB Leipzig will be looking to shake off their recent slump in results when they travel to the RheinEnergieStadion for a tasty Sunday clash with FC Koln.
Can the Billy Goats land their latest win, or will the visitors manage to turn up the heat on the top four? Read our FC Koln vs RB Leipzig prediction and preview to find out, but don’t forget to also check out our other Bundesliga predictions here.
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FC Koln vs RB Leipzig prediction: Close game on the cards
Key Stats
- FC Koln are looking to bag their third straight home victory.
- FC Koln have failed to win six of their 11 league games when scoring first.
- Since October, RB Leipzig have only managed one away win.
- RB Leipzig scored the opening goal in 17 of their 20 Bundesliga matches.
Correct score prediction: FC Koln 1-1 RB Leipzig
FC Koln head coach Lukas Kwasniok was under serious pressure after going eight matches without a league win, though his men ultimately turned things around.
The Billy Goats have picked up two victories from their last three games, including wins over Mainz and Wolfsburg – two fellow relegation contenders.
Those results have allowed Kwasniok and his men to go five points clear of the bottom three, though the job of retaining their top-flight status is far from done.
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, were seen as one of the leading contenders to challenge Bayern Munich earlier this season.
Instead, Die Roten Bullen have endured an almighty results crisis, winning just two of their last seven matches in the league.
Leipzig have already dropped out of the top four, and they will be looking to spark a turnaround when they travel to Cologne this Sunday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies have little faith in Koln
HOME: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
AWAY: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Looking at those FC Koln vs RB Leipzig odds, it is clear that the bookmakers are backing the visitors to bag a big win.
If you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Leipzig
RB Leipzig will be feeling confident ahead of the weekend considering they have won their last three meetings with FC Koln.
In fact, Leipzig are unbeaten in seven previous encounters, last losing in Cologne back in 2021.
Germany Bundesliga I 20/09/25
RB Leipzig
Cologne
Germany Bundesliga I 15/03/24
Cologne
RB Leipzig
Germany Bundesliga I 28/10/23
RB Leipzig
Cologne
Germany Bundesliga I 04/02/23
Cologne
RB Leipzig
Germany Bundesliga I 13/08/22
RB Leipzig
Cologne
FC Koln preview: Home comforts earning points
FC Koln have won two of their last three games, with both those victories coming at the RheinEnergieStadion against Mainz and Wolfsburg.
The club sensationally rejected a £30m bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for striker Said El Mala, who is now set to start against Leipzig on Sunday.
When it comes to injuries, Alessio Castro-Montes has recently joined the list which includes Timo Hubers, Luca Kilian, Linton Maina and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Predicted lineup: Schwabe (GK), Sebulenson, Van den Berg, Ozkacar, Lund, Thielmann, Martel, Krauss, Kaminski, Ache & El Mala
Last five matches
FC Köln 1-0 VfL Wolfsburg (Bundesliga)
SC Freiburg 2-1 1. FC Köln (Bundesliga)
FC Köln 2-1 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Bundesliga)
FC Köln 1-3 FC Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
FC Heidenheim 2-2 1. FC Köln (Bundesliga)
RB Leipzig preview: Visitors pushing for top four
Winning just two matches from seven has seen Leipzig drop out of the top four, which is a concern considering the high level of expectations on the team.
In terms of injuries, Leipzig remain without Viggo Gebel, Castello Lukeba, Assan Ouedraogo and Suleiman Sani.
Brajan Gruda signed for the club on loan from Brighton, and he could bag himself a spot in the matchday squad.
Timo Werner, meanwhile, is not available after leaving for San Jose Earthquakes.
Predicted lineup: Gulacsi (GK), Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum, Seiwald, Schlager, Baumgartner, Diomande, Romulo & Nusa
Last five matches
RB Leipzig 1-2 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Bundesliga)
FC St. Pauli 1-1 RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)
FC Heidenheim 0-3 RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)
RB Leipzig 1-5 FC Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
RB Leipzig 2-0 SC Freiburg (Bundesliga)
Player to watch: Antonio Nusa
RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa is worth keeping an eye on this Sunday, with the player enjoying a good run of form recently.
The 20-year-old stamped his name on the scoresheet against Heidenheim a fortnight ago, before bagging an assist against Mainz last weekend. We think there is more to come from the Norway international.