In-Depth Betting Tips and Predictions for FC Koln vs Hamburger SV

This weekend marks the first weekend in August, and while there are still two more weeks until the Premier League makes its long awaited return, there are plenty of games taking place across Europe. This Friday sees the 2. Bundesliga kick off with FC Koln hosting Hamburger SV.

Koln’s five year stay in the German top flight ended on the final day when they were beaten 4-1 by Heidenheim and so they’ll be looking to start strongly if they want to secure promotion in this campaign. Hamburg had a strong season last year, but fell short of their promotion hopes, finishing in fourth. This game looks as if it will be an opening night classic.

Neither team has made many moves in the transfer market so far. That is better for Koln than it is for Hamburg, as the former Bundesliga team haven’t lost too many of their stars. On top of that, they have confirmed the permanent signings of both Luca Waldschmidt and Rasmus Carstensen who were on loan at the club last year.

Similarly, Hamburg have signed Lukasz Poreba on a permanent deal, having spent last season there on loan from Ligue 1 side Lens. Whether or not he will be enough to fill the midfield gap left by Slovakian international Laszlo Benes who joined Union Berlin on the 1st July, we shall see.

Koln have had the better preseason of the two sides, having not lost a game despite playing potentially more difficult fixtures. Their most recent victory came against Udinese at the weekend. Interestingly, both sides played against two rivals, with Hamburg losing to Cardiff and Koln edging past Swansea.

Both teams have talent and both will be looking for promotion this season, but with home advantage, I really think Koln will take all three points here.

FC Koln vs Hamburger SV Predictions

Our team of experts have decided that the best tip for this game is for FC Koln to win. With 23/20 odds on Quinnbet, a £10 bet could see potential returns of £21.50.

Where can I watch FC Koln vs Hamburger SV?

FC Koln vs Hamburger SV kicks off at 7:30pm BST on Friday 2nd August. Coverage of the match is available in the UK on the Sky Sports App.

FC Koln vs Hamburger SV Predicted Lineups

FC Koln: J. Urbig, D. Heintz, T. Hubers, E. Martel, J. Thielmann, D. Ljubicic, D. Huseinbasic, L. Paqarada, T. Lemperle, D. Downs, L. Waldschmidt

Hamburger SV: D. Fernandes, W. Mikelbrencis, S. Schonlau, D. Hadzikadunic, M. Muheim, D. Elfadli, L. Reis, A. Karabec, B. Jatta, R.Y. Konigsdorffer, J. Meffert