Key Facts
- Cologne has scored in each of its last five games and has conceded goals in every one; therefore, “Both Teams to Score: No” remains a risky bet despite Gladbach’s absences.
- Gladbach has conceded 16 goals in their last five games; this points to “Over 2.5 Goals,” even though Cologne will have to play without striker Ragnar Ache.
- Cologne has scored many of its goals after halftime; without center forward Ragnar Ache, attacking players Mikey Moore and Linton Maina will need to create scoring chances earlier in the game.
Match Preview
Alexander Blessin faces a tough challenge right off the bat in his debut as Gladbach’s head coach in the Bundesliga derby against Cologne: His team has already conceded 16 goals in four league games. The last competitive match between the two teams ended in a 3-3 draw in March 2026. That’s not a pleasant memory for either defense.
- Date and time: October 11, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga (Matchday 5)
The bookmakers see Cologne as clear favorites. After four league losses by Gladbach, Cologne looks like an interesting bet with an Asian handicap of -0.5. Gladbach’s 3–4 loss to Mainz does make “Both Teams to Score: No” a risky bet. Ragnar Ache’s absence should be taken into account for “Over 2.5 Goals.” Gladbach’s defensive record, however, provides a reason to consider this bet alongside the other two picks. Anyone looking to place one of these bets should check in advance whether a betting bonus for new customers also applies to the selected bet type.
Cologne Form & Record Check
Cologne’s 1-2 loss at Hamburger SV showed that even a late comeback in the Bundesliga can end without any points. In each of the five competitive matches listed, Cologne scored and also conceded a goal. This points toward “Over 2.5 Goals,” but does not allow for a reliable prediction for “Both Teams to Score: No.” Because Ragnar Ache is out, René Wagner will need Mikey Moore and Linton Maina to create scoring opportunities earlier in the game.
Cologne could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Marvin Schwäbe in goal, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Luka Lochoshvili in central defense, and Tom Krauß alongside Ellyes Skhiri in midfield. Luca Waldschmidt is set to lead the attack, with Mikey Moore and Said El Mala among the offensive options behind him.
Borussia Mönchengladbach’s projected lineup: Alexander Blessin could opt for a back three. It remains to be seen who will start.
Gladbach Form & Record Check
Gladbach’s 3-4 loss to Mainz in the Bundesliga offered encouragement on offense but confirmed concerns about the defense. Following the 0-5 defeat suffered earlier in Freiburg, the handicap against Cologne seems all the more convincing. Alexander Blessin wants to play with a compact back three, but several defenders returned late from their national teams.
Cologne vs. Gladbach Head-to-Head & Statistics
In the 24 recorded competitive matches between the two teams, Gladbach leads with 13 wins to Cologne’s seven, with four matches ending in a draw. This makes a handicap bet on Cologne less attractive. Both results point to over 2.5 goals. In each of the last four listed matchups, at least a third goal was scored. This is a clearer indication of goals than the overall record suggests for a win by either team.
