Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Koln Prediction:

It is a return to DFB Pokal action for both German clubs as FC Koln travels to neighbouring city Leverkusen for this North Rhine-Westphalia derby in the Quarter Final. Leverkusen are the reigning champions after winning the trophy for the second time ever last season. FC Koln have won the trophy four times but not for over 40 years, with their last triumph occurring in 1983. Die Geißböcke are in for a tough challenge, the historical club are currently in the second tier of Germany and will have to display an impressive performance in order to beat the champions.

Key Stats:

• Bayer Leverkusen have not conceded a goal in their three DFB Pokal games so far.
• Koln have scored eight goals in their three DFB Pokal fixtures.
• Bayer Leverkusen are on a 20-game unbeaten run domestically and have lost three times all season.
• FC Koln have lost once since October.

Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Koln Previews, Form and Players to Watch:

Bayer Leverkusen’s form heading into this match is three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five. Since September they have won 19 games and lost just three across 29 games. In the last round of the DFB Pokal, they impressively knocked out their biggest competition, Bayern Munich with a sold 1-0 away win.

Koln’s form heading into this match is four wins and one loss in their last five. In fact other Koln have won 10 of their last 12 games (1D 1L) in all competitons. They also knocked out top-flight side Holsten Kiel in the second round.

Bayer Leverkusen Preview:

Predicted Line Up (3-4-2-1): Matej Kovar, Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Arthur, Alex Grimaldo, Exequiel Palacios, Aleix Garcia, Jonas Hofmann, Emiliano Buendia, Patrik Schick

New loan signing Buendia received man of the match on his Bundesliga debut for Leverkusen despite playing 26 minutes. The Argentinian will now be looking to score his first goal for his new club and might be handed a first full debut in the cup. Patrik Schick has three goals in his last five games and has displaced Victor Boniface as Leverkusen’s main striker.

FC Koln Preview:

Predicted Line Up (3-4-1-2): Marvin Schwabe, Dominique Heintz, Timo Hubers, Julian Pauli, Jusuf Gazibegovic, Leart Paqarda, Denis Huseinbasic, Eric Martel, Dejan Ljubicic, Damion Downs, Linton Maina

German American striker Damion Downs has eight goals this season and got a goal and an assist in his last game. Midfielder Ljubicic has two goals in his last four and also scored in Koln’s last cup match. Both could be potential outputs if Koln manage to score against Leverkusen.

Head-to-Head Stats - Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Koln

Across their last 54 matches dating back to the late 80s, Bayer Leverkusen overwhelmingly have won 26 meetings, Koln have won 12 and there have been 16 draws. The away side has won four of their last five meetings. Those previous five are as follows:

• FC Koln 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen, March 2024
• Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 FC Koln, October 2023
• Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 FC Koln, May 2023
• FC Koln 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen, November 2022
• Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 FC Koln, March 2022

Betting Tips for Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Koln

Despite a busier fixture schedule, Leverkusen’s strength and form cannot be ignored. Even if they rotate they will win. Koln are also a goal confident side.

Our team of professional experts have decided that the best tip for this game is Bayer Leverkusen to win & Over 2.5 Goals. With odds of 5/8, a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £16.30.

(Odds subject to change)

Final Prediction:

Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 FC Koln