Bundesliga 26/27 · Round 5 ·
1. FC Cologne vs Borussia Monchengladbach preview: Cologne host M´gladbach in a Rhine derby both need
The RheinEnergieStadion stages a Rhine derby between two sides stuck near the foot of the table after four matches. The clearest gap is defensive: M´gladbach concede 4.0 goals per away match, the worst away record in this fixture, while Cologne are level with the league average at home.
By 10xSharp · Published
This preview was published before kickoff. The match has finished: see the result and full stats. Read the match report.
Who is missing
Cologne are without four players, including their two leading scorers. Thijs Dallinga, their top scorer with 2 goals, and Ragnar Ache are both out with injuries, while Timo Hubers and Malek El Mala are also unavailable. Ragnar Ache and Thijs Dallinga, all unavailable, have scored 3 goals between them, 50% of the side's goals in this competition. M´gladbach have four absentees of their own, including Franck Honorat, who has 2 assists this season, and Nicolas Kuhn, Enzo Leopold and Jens Castrop.
Who carries the attack
With Dallinga out, Marius Bulter is Cologne's leading available scorer with 1 goal in 4 matches, while Ellyes Skhiri has 2 assists. Hugo Bolin leads M´gladbach with 2 goals in 4 matches, and Shuto Machino has 1 goal in 2 matches. M´gladbach's top assister, Franck Honorat, is unavailable, leaving Lukas Ullrich with 2 assists as their main creator.
Recent form
Cologne have taken 4 points from their last four league matches, with 1 win, 1 draw and 2 losses, while M´gladbach have lost all four of their league matches this season. Cologne are unbeaten in their last 5 home matches, with 3 wins and 2 draws, while M´gladbach have lost 2 of their last 6 away matches. Both sides have had 8 days of rest since their last match.
Table position
Cologne sit 14th with 4 points from 4 matches, while M´gladbach are 18th with 0 points from 4 matches. At home, Cologne have 1 win, 1 draw and 0 losses, while M´gladbach have 0 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses away from home. Cologne's home goal difference is +1, while M´gladbach's away goal difference is -8.
Head to head
Across 10 meetings since 2020, Cologne have won 4 times, M´gladbach 3 times, with 3 draws. The average total goals in these meetings is 4.3, and both teams scored in 90% of them. In the 5 meetings at this ground, Cologne have won 2, M´gladbach 1, with 2 draws. Their last meeting, in March 2026, ended 3-3.
Attacking threat
Cologne score 2.0 goals per home match, which is marginally worse than the league average for a home side at home. M´gladbach have scored 0 goals in their 2 away matches, a large gap below the league average for an away side on the road. Cologne hold a large attacking edge, with the home side's 2.0 per match against the visitors' 0.0.
Defensive solidity
Cologne concede 1.5 goals per home match, level with the league average for a home side at home. M´gladbach concede 4.0 goals per away match, a large gap worse than the league average for an away side on the road. Cologne hold a large defensive edge, with the home side's 1.5 conceded per match against the visitors' 4.0.
Shot efficiency
Cologne average 4.75 shots on goal per match, while M´gladbach average 4.25. M´gladbach see more of their shots blocked, with 3.5 blocked per match compared to Cologne's 3.25. Cologne also hold a slight possession edge, with 51.5% compared to M´gladbach's 48.0%.
When goals arrive
Cologne score 50% of their goals in the 76-90 minute window, their peak scoring band. M´gladbach's peak scoring band is 46-60 minutes, with 33% of their goals, tied with the 0-15 minute window. M´gladbach concede 44% of their goals in the 76-90 minute window, their peak conceding band, while Cologne concede 22% in the same window.
Goal environment
Cologne's matches have gone over 2.5 goals in 75% of their matches this season, while M´gladbach's have gone over 2.5 goals in 100% of their matches. At home, Cologne's over 2.5 rate drops to 50%, while M´gladbach's away over 2.5 rate is 100%. M´gladbach have failed to score in 50% of their matches this season, and in 100% of their away matches.
What to expect
Cologne's home form and M´gladbach's away struggles point to a home win, but the visitors' high-scoring matches suggest goals at both ends. The market prices the home side as a moderate favourite, with a 48% implied probability. The total goals line is set at 3.25, with a slight lean to the under at 52%.