FC Köln host title challengers RB Leipzig this evening as they look to get back on track in the Bundesliga.
Markus Gisdol’s men lost out 3-1 at Hoffenheim on Wednesday in just their second defeat in six games, although there has been four draws in that time.
Centre-back Sebastian Bornauw was dismissed midway through the first-half and Hoffenheim shortly raced into a three goal advantage.
Florian Kainz pulled one back on the hour mark, but Mark Uth squandered any hopes of a late fightback when he saw his second penalty in as many games saved.
The Billy Goats have fallen to 11th after picking up two points from the last 12 available, but their problems certainly have not been in front of goal, having scored in their last 14 games.
This evening, they are tasked with keeping the league’s second top scorer Timo Werner quiet, with the German striker looking to increase his tally of 24 Bundesliga goals this term.
FC Köln form: WWLDDL
Team news
Köln are without key man Bornauw after he was shown a card in the defeat to Hoffenheim last time out, so Jorge Mere is expected to deputise.
Top scorer Jhon Cordoba will once again lead the line and is likely to be supported by Uth, but the latter might be removed from spot-kick duty after missing his last two.
Opposition
Leipzig have not lost any of their previous 14 matches against newly promoted sides and defeated Köln 4-1 in the reverse fixture six months ago.
There is now a nine-point gap between Julian Nagelsmann’s side and Bayern Munich, but Leipzig’s priority will be securing top four to qualify for the Champions League next season.
They will be without Yussuf Poulsen this evening after the skipper picked up an ankle ligament injury, so Patrick Schick will likely retain his place alongside Werner.
Marcel Halstenberg (suspended) and Ibrahima Konate (injured) are also unavailable for the clash at the RheinEnergieSTADION.
RB Leipzig form: WDDDWD
How to watch
Watch the action unfold by tuning into BT Sport 1 at 19.15 this evening and as always, use #redwhiteandköln to show your support.