FC Koln will be aiming to cause a major upset when they host Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Friday.
Bayern, meanwhile, would move to the top of the table with a victory as league leaders Bayer Leverkusen do not play until Saturday.
Match preview
Despite enduring a difficult start to the season, Koln did at least manage to move off the foot of the table ahead of the international break by securing a 1-1 draw away to VfL Bochum in their last match.
Koln’s recent Bundesliga form: L L W L D D
For Koln, resisting pressure and avoiding defeat for only the fourth time in 11 league games this season could prove to be a major step towards turning their campaign around.
Steffen Baumgart’s side had two decent seasons previously but faces a battle to avoid relegation this time.
However, they will be up against the reigning champions on Friday, with their best chance likely to be catching their opponents cold after a busy international break for the majority of the Bavarians’ players.
Bayern Munich’s recent Bundesliga form: D W W W W W
Bayern survived a scare against Heidenheim in their last match, with the newly-promoted side fighting back from two goals down to draw level with only 20 minutes remaining at the Allianz Arena.
However, substitutes Raphael Guerreiro and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting both made crucial impacts by scoring from the bench.
Despite their impressive winning streak, Bayern have been unable to leapfrog league leaders Leverkusen. Thomas Tuchel’s team aims to move above them in the standings before the winter break.
Team News
Koln wlll remain without Philipp Pentke and Jacob Christensen due to injury, while Mark Uth was withdrawn against Bochum due to a muscle strain and is unlikely to feature until early December.
Bayern will travel without Jamal Musiala, Matthijs De Ligt, Tarek Buchmann, and Gabriel Marusic due to injury.
Musiala is suffering from a hamstring issue, while De Ligt could be out until the New Year with a serious knee injury.
Possible Lineups:
FC Koln:(4-2-3-1)
Schwabe;
Carstensen, Hubers, Chabot, Heintz;
Martel, Huseinbasic;
Thielmann, Ljubicic, Kainz;
Selke
Bayern Munich:(4-2-3-1)
Neuer;
Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies;
Goretzka, Kimmich;
Sane, Muller, Coman;
Kane
Prediction: FC Koln 0-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern’s recent form and superior quality in the squad suggest an away victory. Koln, struggling at the bottom, might find it challenging to halt Bayern’s winning momentum.
