Bayern Munich – 1.FC Cologne
The Bundesliga goes into the next matchday and apart from the championship fight, many outcomes are still possible. The relegation battle is particularly dramatic at the moment, with all teams involved once again needing to be fully focused on this matchday. This also applies to Cologne.
The Effzeh have to face record champions Bayern Munich away from home and, no matter how difficult this task may seem, Cologne must go into this game on Saturday afternoon with full self-confidence in order to take on this task. It should be clear who has the edge here, but you can find out what kind of game we can expect in our Bayern – Cologne betting tip.
Bayern have had the worst possible matchday. They went into the break 2-0 up against newly-promoted Heidenheim and everything looked as if they would take this win home with them. However, Bayern were completely out of sorts in the second half and ended up losing 3-2. This defeat means that rivals Leverkusen can now be crowned champions on this matchday.
During the week, the weakened Bayern had to travel to the Premier League leaders, Arsenal FC. After trailing 1-0, it looked as if the out-of-form Bavarians would lose once again, but they showed morale and drew 2-2, which in the end can even be considered partly unfortunate.
The last matchday could be really important for Cologne once again. They were 1-0 down until the 90th minute against direct relegation rivals Bochum, leaving them ten points clear of relegation. However, Bochum looked too passive towards the end and the Effzeh managed to secure a deserved 2:1 victory with a double strike and reduce the gap to four points within three minutes. It was the first time in Cologne’s Bundesliga history that they were still able to win despite trailing after 90 minutes
Bayern – Cologne info
- Date & Time: 13.04.2024, 3:30 pm
- Playing venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 29
- TV broadcast/live stream: Sky
Bayern Form & Balance Check
Mediocre is probably the word that best describes Bayern’s season. They were knocked out of the DFB Cup against third-division side Saarbrücken, the championship battle is more or less over, but at least they were able to put themselves in a good starting position for the second leg of the Premier League next Wednesday during the week. They have now suffered two defeats in a row in the Bundesliga, leaving them level on points with third place in the table. Although they have won five and drawn one of their last ten games, they have also suffered four defeats. Their form has stagnated a little recently
Good against relegated teams
While other teams struggle against the aggressive and deep-lying relegation candidates, Bayern always manage to play to their strengths. They have won both games against Darmstadt and Mainz in dominant fashion this season and the first leg against Cologne was also a victory. The goal difference from the five games against the last three speaks volumes: 25:4 from five games.
That means they score an average of five goals per game and concede less than one. Now the last game against one of the bottom three awaits and Munich will use all their offensive power to win this game clearly
Bayern facts & analysis
- second in the league table
- Lost last two games
- Draw against Arsenal during the week
Cologne Form & Balance Sheet Check
For Cologne, it’s been all about just surviving the league since matchday one. Since matchday four, they have been in one of the bottom three places in all but two matchdays, and a massive turnaround is needed if they are to avoid relegation. They have one win from their last five games, which was on the last matchday and their first since the beginning of February, two draws and two defeats. Last week’s win over Bochum means they are now just four points off 15th place and will travel to Munich with plenty of confidence behind them
Angstgegner Bayern?
Cologne have an appalling record in their last ten games against Bayern. One draw and nine defeats. It has been over 13 years since Cologne have won against the record champions. They last celebrated a win against Munich on February 5, 2011. The last time the Effzeh won away from home against Bayern was in the decade before last. In 2009, the Cologne team, then coached by Christoph Daum, managed to upset Bayern in their own stadium. It was to remain their only away win in Munich in 26 years
Cologne facts & analysis
- One away win against Munich in 26 years
- 17th place in the table
- Baddest offense in the league
FC Bayern will line up in their usual 4-2-3-1. Thomas Tuchel will probably rotate a little compared to the game against Arsenal, partly in order to rest his players. The record champions will have to do without unlucky player Gnabry (torn muscle fibre), with Coman moving to the attacking flank in his place. It is also possible that Pavlovic will move back into the center for Laimer after recovering from illness. Mazraoui is also an option for Davies, who has been weakening of late.
Timo Schultz will probably choose the same formation as against Bochum. A 4-4-2 formation will be used against Bayern. He will be without the injured Selke (metatarsal fracture) and midfielder Martel (yellow card suspension). In their place, Tigges will start up front and Huseinbasic will move into the center. It might be too early for Waldschmidt to start, but he is guaranteed to be available as a wild card
Bayern – Cologne head-to-head & stats
This clash has already taken place 105 times in the past. Munich have won 57 times, i.e. more than half of these traditional duels, while Cologne have come out on top 24 times. In 24 of these matches, the two teams drew. The first leg ended in a narrow, but nevertheless commanding 1:0 victory for Bayern. The last time Cologne won against FC Bayern was in 2011
Direct comparison (H2H)
