FC Cologne vs Union Berlin – News and Probable Lineups

FC Koln will host Union Berlin at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Tuesday night for a DFB-Pokal second-round clash, as both teams aim to secure their spots in the last 16.

This knockout match marks the first of two encounters scheduled between the sides in a span of five days, with a subsequent face-off in the Bundesliga set for next Sunday in Berlin. Rene Wagner’s team will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage after a frustrating goalless draw against Schalke last Saturday, while Union arrive following a 1-1 stalemate away at Augsburg.

Match overview

Koln will likely be disappointed with their failure to convert possession and attacking opportunities into goals during the match against Schalke, as Isak Johannesson had a goal disallowed for offside, and Said El Mala missed another chance in a first half where they struggled to execute effectively.

The outcome means Koln have managed just one victory in their last six league fixtures, recording three defeats and two draws, and they now find themselves without a win across their last two games (D1, L1). This leaves Wagner’s side in need of a more assertive showing, especially in a competition where a single misstep can end a team’s campaign.

Playing at home presents an opportunity for the Billy Goats, as their fan support can help generate the necessary intensity to disrupt Union’s defensive line. They have remained unbeaten at the RheinEnergieSTADION so far this season, achieving two wins and two draws.

Koln advanced to this round after overcoming lower-tier opponents Wurzburger Kickers 2-1 in the last round, turning the match around after going behind in the first half, thanks to a brace from Johannesson after the break.

During the 2024-25 season, they made it to the quarter-finals of this competition, their best finish since reaching the last eight in the 2009-10 season, and Wagner aims to guide the team towards a similar success this time.

Union will be determined to thwart those aspirations as they aim to replicate their last-16 appearance from the previous season. Recent performances suggest they are becoming increasingly resilient and difficult to defeat.

Mauro Lustrinelli’s squad managed to hold Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw before drawing again with Augsburg, despite Felix Uduokhai’s early red card forcing them to reorganize quickly. They remained competitive and even responded to Han-Noah Massengo’s opening goal.

Janik Haberer netted Union’s equalizer in the 74th minute, completing a determined comeback following the dismissal, and achieving consecutive draws after a 1-0 victory against Elversberg, leaving them unbeaten in their last three outings (W1, D2).

The most recent encounter between these teams concluded in a 2-2 draw at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in May, with Union remaining unbeaten in their last two meetings with Koln, having secured a 1-0 victory at this venue in the prior match before that draw.

The Iron Ones have had success in recent visits to this stadium, winning two of their last three trips, while they are unbeaten in seven matches against Koln, achieving four victories and two draws in that period.

Team News

Koln will be without Timo Hubers, Thijs Dallinga, Ellyes Skhiri, and Rav van den Berg, all of whom are currently recovering from injuries.

Dallinga is expected to be sidelined for an extended period following a cruciate ligament injury, while Hubers continues to recover from a knee issue, and Skhiri’s ankle injury is also set to keep him out for some time.

Ragnar Ache has started partial training after a muscle injury and could be included if he makes good progress before the match, while Alessio Castro-Montes is also managing a muscular problem.

Union face the absence of Stanley Nsoki, Josip Juranovic, and Andrej Ilic due to injuries, although their conditions are likely to be re-evaluated prior to the cup match.

As a result of his red card against Augsburg, Uduokhai will also miss Tuesday’s fixture.

FC Koln probable starting XI:

Schwab; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Sosa; Kraub, Johannesson; Maina, Moore, El Mala; Bolter

Union Berlin probable starting XI:

Ronnow; Haberer, van den Bosch, Querfeld, Rothe; Aebischer, Khedira, Schafer; Jeong, Skarke, Burcu

Koln may enjoy home advantage, but recent form and a strong record at this stadium indicate that Union can emerge victorious in what is expected to be a tightly contested tie.

The hosts could create sufficient chances to pose a threat, yet Union’s recent solid defensive performances suggest they may manage to keep Koln at bay and find a way to secure a win.