Table of Contents
1. FC Köln vs. VfL Wolfsburg
In the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln is unstoppable. With the recent 4:1 away win at FC Augsburg in the Fuggerstadt, the Effzeh recorded their fourth win in a row and thus remained on the accelerator towards the European Cup! Currently, the cathedral cities would participate in next year’s Europa League, but even a Champions League place is still within reach. Due to the defeat of TSG Hoffenheim on the last matchday, it is almost certain that 1. FC Köln will at least participate in the Conference League next season.
The situation is completely different for the upcoming opponents from Wolfsburg. Only on the last matchday, VfL Wolfsburg was able to finalise their relegation from the league in purely mathematical terms. The fact that the Wolves, despite Champions League football this season and reinforcements to the tune of over 76 million euros, had to tremble about staying in the league at all reveals how questionable the season of the Lower Saxons has been so far and still is. The Wolves also failed to win against a relegation-threatened VfB Stuttgart in the previous week. Whether Wolfsburg can score against Cologne, you can read in our Cologne – Wolfsburg betting tip.
Cologne – Wolfsburg Info:
– Date & Time: 07.05.2022, 15:30 Uhr
– Venue: Cologne, Rhein-Energie Stadion
– Competition: Bundesliga, 33rd matchday
– TV broadcast: Sky Sport
Cologne Form & Balance Check
1. FC Köln continue to march towards Europe. Since the 0:1 away defeat at Union, the Effzeh has been on the fast track. Mainz, Gladbach, Bielefeld and, most recently, Augsburg have all been swept off their feet by the Cathedral City side. Coach Steffen Baumgart’s team scored at least three goals against each of the aforementioned teams. No other team in the Bundesliga can boast 13 goals from the last four games. This is one of the reasons why it is very likely that Cologne will represent the Bundesliga in international business next season.
Home strength as the key to success
Cologne’s home strength is a big factor in their very strong season so far. Not only in the general table is Cologne in 6th place, but also in the home table. The Cathedral City team has won 31 of 52 points at home this season. However, the third strongest home team – FSV Mainz 05 – has only scored three points more in its own stadium, so that the Geißböcke could even move up to third place in the home table. Most recently, the Effzeh won two home games in a row.
Cologne facts & analysis
– Ranked 6th with 52 points.
– Won last 4 games
– 13 goals in last 4 matches
Wolfsburg form & balance check
VfL Wolfsburg will continue to be a part of the Bundesliga next season. What sounds like routine and self-confidence will be the season’s conclusion for the Lower Saxons after this season. After qualifying for the Champions League last season, sporting director Jörg Schmadtke had to sack the newly installed coach Van Bommel early in the season and watch the Wolves gradually fall into the relegation battle. Wolfsburg successfully mastered this with Florian Kohfeldt as head coach. Looking at the squad value of 236.5 million euros, Wolfsburg is actually the fifth strongest team in the Bundesliga on paper. This also shows how underground the season of the Lower Saxons has been.
Dreadful away from home
An important indication that can explain the poor season are the performances away from home. In 16 appearances away from home, the Wolves picked up only 15 points, which puts Wolfsburg in 11th place in the away table. The Lower Saxons were only able to win four games as guests. Coach Kohfeldt’s team has been waiting for a win in five away games. Wolfsburg last won away from home on 12 February with 2-0 in Frankfurt.
Wolfsburg facts & analysis
– In 12th place with 38 points.
– Winless since 5 away games
– Last played 1-1 in Stuttgart
Predicted line-up – last updated 5 May 2022
1. FC Köln were last forced to do without the suspended Özcan in Augsburg. The Turk served his yellow suspension and is now expected back in the starting line-up against Wolfsburg. Accordingly, coach Baumgart will probably change the system from a 4-1-3-2 formation back to the classic 4-2-3-1 system. This would mean that the double front would be dissolved and Thielmann would have to take his place on the bench again. Substitute striker Andersson is out due to a positive Corona test.
VfL Wolfsburg will also have to do without Waldschmidt, Otavio and William in the cathedral city. Most recently, coach Kohfeldt had the team play in an offensive 4-3-3 formation. However, the only goal against Stuttgart in the last match was scored by a header from a corner by centre-back Brooks.
Cologne – Wolfsburg direct comparison & stats
Cologne and Wolfsburg have already met 34 times. In this duel, Wolfsburg earned the more positive record. The Wolves won 15 matches, whereas the Effzeh only managed to win nine. A further ten meetings ended in a draw. The last time they met, the whistle blew with a 3:2 win for Cologne.
– The last encounter in Cologne ended in a draw. (2:2 on 05.12.2022)
– Cologne has not lost any of its last six home matches against Wolfsburg.
– Wolfsburg last won in Cologne on 06/08/2011.
– Cologne won three of their last four home matches against Wolfsburg.
– The two coaches of the teams completed their coaching education together in 2014/15.
– Max Kruse converted 24 of his 25 Bundesliga penalties.
