FC Cologne vs Dortmund – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday night, the Bundesliga showcases action from RheinEnergieStadion, where relegation-threatened FC Koln takes on a struggling Borussia Dortmund side.

The home team heads into the fixture with just a two-point cushion over the bottom three, while Dortmund will be eager to end their three-match winless streak as they aim for a strong conclusion to the season.

Match overview

FC Koln is under mounting pressure after failing to secure a win in their last four Bundesliga matches, leaving them deep in a relegation struggle.

Since February began, Lukas Kwasniok’s side has managed only one point while suffering defeats to RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Augsburg.

The Billy Goats hold the poorest defensive record among teams not in the relegation zone, a fact that has been exacerbated by conceding nine goals in their previous four outings.

On a brighter note, Koln boasts the top offensive record in the bottom half of the table and has been effective at home.

Kwasniok’s squad has amassed seven points from their last four league games at RheinEnergieStadion, a statistic that may provide some confidence ahead of Dortmund’s visit.

Borussia Dortmund might be safe from relegation, but they have faced a series of disheartening results recently.

Initially, Niko Kovac’s men squandered a two-goal lead against Atalanta in the Champions League, resulting in their exit during the playoff stage.

Just a few days later, Dortmund also saw their slim Bundesliga title aspirations dashed after a 3-2 loss to league leaders Bayern Munich at home.

With two months left in the season, Dortmund’s only remaining goal is to secure a top-four finish and a Champions League berth for the next season—far from ideal for a club aspiring for more.

Ending their three-match winless streak will be the immediate concern for Kovac and his squad, who last achieved a Bundesliga victory in mid-February against Mainz.

FC Koln Bundesliga form:

L W L L D L

Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form:

W W W W D L

Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions):

W W W D L L

Team News

Koln will be without their defensive duo of Timo Hubers and Luca Kilian, both sidelined due to knee injuries.

Bosnian midfielder Denis Huseinbasic is also unavailable with a hip issue, while forward Jan Thielmann is dealing with a muscle problem.

Additionally, there are uncertainties regarding Norwegian defender Sebastian Sebulonsen, who missed the last match against Augsburg due to a muscle injury.

Borussia Dortmund is preparing for a significant defensive overhaul in the summer, as they require fresh talent in their backline.

Emre Can managed just 45 minutes against Bayern Munich last weekend before being forced off with a knee injury.

English midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka missed Der Klassiker with a muscle issue, and young player Filippo Mane continues to struggle with a thigh complaint.

Niklas Sule, another key defender in the treatment room, is also expected to remain sidelined with a thigh injury.

FC Koln probable starting XI:

Schwabe; Van den Berg, Simpson-Pusey, Ozkacar; Castro-Montes, Martel, Krauss, Lund; Kaminski, The Bad; ache

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI:

Kobel; Reggiani, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Silva, Beier

Koln is in urgent need of points as they strive to create distance from the bottom three, but their plight is exacerbated by a weak defensive display.

Borussia Dortmund has faced a challenging couple of weeks, and they will be eager to return to winning form. We anticipate Kovac and his team will achieve just that.