1.FC Köln – SV Darmstadt 98
The 30th matchday in the Bundesliga is coming up and the end of the season is getting closer and closer. Last weekend, the question of this year’s champions has already been answered, but there are still a few question marks regarding the relegation battle, among other things. Saturday sees the absolute basement duel. Cologne, who are in second-last place in the league, are at home to SV Darmstadt, who are bottom of the table. For Cologne, this clash is a must-win if they are to avoid relegation and stay in touch with Mainz and Bochum, while Darmstadt can only have limited hopes of staying up. Find out what kind of game we can expect in this relegation battle in our Cologne – Darmstadt betting tip.
On the last matchday, the Effzeh faced a tough opponent in Bayern Munich. However, Cologne were very stable and managed to go into the break with a 0-0 draw thanks to their security in defense. After the break, Bayern piled on the pressure and found a gap in the defense in the 65th minute, which they exploited to take a 1-0 lead. Cologne hardly created any chances of their own, with only Upamecano’s misplaced pass to Waldschmidt just outside the penalty area creating another opportunity in the 89th minute, which he was unable to capitalize on. Müller’s 2:0 sealed the 15th defeat of the season.
Darmstadt also suffered their next defeat on the final matchday. The failure against Freiburg marked their 19th defeat of the season. Despite a committed performance, the Lilies failed to reward themselves and fell behind in the first half. Freiburg then managed to keep the score under control and managed to secure a narrow 1:0 victory. It is now almost impossible for Darmstadt to avoid relegation.
If you’re interested in more predictions and analysis of various games, then take a look at our betting tips.
Cologne – Darmstadt info
- Date & Time: 20.04.2024, 3:30 pm
- Playing venue: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 30
- TV broadcast/live stream: Sky
Cologne Form & Balance Check
Cologne’s season is of course not what they had hoped for. A lot of bad luck with injuries and individual deficiencies, especially in offense, mean that Cologne find themselves in 17th place. That would currently mean direct relegation. However, they have picked up one win, two draws and only two defeats from their last five games, meaning they have been able to keep up with the teams above them. With just five games remaining, this three-pointer against Darmstadt is an absolute must-win for Timo Schultz’s team
Offensive problems in Cologne
Cologne’s biggest problem is probably their penetration up front. They have scored just 23 goals in their 29 games, the worst figure in the league. However, this statistic is also due to injuries to Selke and Waldschmidt, the latter of whom is now finally available again and will help to solve this offensive problem
Cologne facts & analysis
- Weakest offense in the league
- Last game lost
- Penultimate in the Bundesliga
Darmstadt Form & Balance Sheet Check
As a newly promoted team, they have of course had a particularly difficult time this season, but the season is still very disappointing. They have only won two of their 29 games, drawn eight and lost an incredible 19, which puts them in last place, which they fully deserve. They have drawn one of their last five games and lost everything else. They have been without a win since matchday seven, i.e. 22 matches, and are still the only professional team in Germany without a win in 2024.
Shooting gallery of the league
Darmstadt have conceded 71 goals in 28 games, their worst defensive performance since the 1987/88 season, meaning no defense has been as vulnerable as the Lilies’ for 36 years. If they really want to keep a small chance of staying in the league, they must now try to keep a clean sheet and put Cologne’s offense in its place
Darmstadt facts & analysis
- Winless in 2024
- Last in the league table
- Last win 22 games ago
Timo Schultz will start in an attacking 4-4-2 as he did last weekend. Huseinbasic returns to the starting eleven and, depending on his fitness level, Waldschmidt is also an option for the first eleven. He would probably replace Maina. Apart from that, there are no other changes by name.
Thorsten Lieberknecht will once again line up in a 3-4-1-2. The loss of captain Holland (cruciate ligament rupture), who will be replaced by Schnellhardt in this game, is particularly bitter. Otherwise, there are no changes to Darmstadt’s personnel either
Cologne – Darmstadt head-to-head & stats
In total, this encounter has already taken place 13 times. The numbers speak for themselves. Cologne have won the game ten times, the teams have drawn twice and the Lilies have only won once. The only victory to date is the away win in the 2018/19 season in the second division
Direct comparison (H2H)
