Borussia Monchengladbach and FC Koln are set to clash in a Bundesliga fixture on Saturday, marking the 25th gameweek of the season. The two teams are currently separated by a margin of nine points in the league standings, with Borussia Monchengladbach holding the advantage. Notably, Borussia Monchengladbach has demonstrated a commendable record when playing at home, while FC Koln, under the management of their new head coach Timo Schultz, remain undefeated in away matches.
Match preview
Gladbach’s home performance presents a source of reassurance for supporters ahead of their upcoming encounter against Koln. However, Gerardo Seoane’s team must exercise caution in facing their adversaries this weekend.
Although the Foals stumbled in their initial three matches at Borussia-Park this season, they have since suffered only one defeat in nine subsequent games in front of their home crowd, succumbing to a 2-1 loss against Augsburg in January.
Amassing five victories at home during the 2023-24 campaign reflects commendable achievement, with only five Bundesliga clubs surpassing this tally. Notably, their recent 5-2 triumph over Bochum indicates a timely resurgence in scoring prowess for Seoane’s side.
Nevertheless, Gladbach’s performances against lower-ranked teams have been lackluster, evident in draws against Mainz and Darmstadt, a 3-1 loss to Koln in the previous fixture, and a 3-1 defeat against bottom-placed Union Berlin in December, prior to the latter’s resurgence.
Seoane is hopeful that his team will secure a positive outcome against the league’s third-bottom side, aiming for a sixth home victory in front of their supporters this season.
On the other hand, Koln aspires to extend Gladbach’s winless streak against teams positioned in the bottom three at the start of the gameweek, despite facing challenges in away matches that may undermine this ambition.
The Billy Goats have managed just one win in their 12 away fixtures this season, a narrow 1-0 triumph over Darmstadt in December, while enduring six defeats and five draws.
Under Schultz, who took over from Steffen Baumgart in January, Koln has recorded three draws on the road, notably achieving consecutive 1-1 ties against Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim, and Stuttgart, which marked an end to the club’s unfavorable away results.
Nevertheless, Koln’s pursuit of their maiden away victory under the new leadership is overshadowed by their history of 52 Bundesliga defeats against Gladbach, sharing the record for the highest number of losses against a single opponent (also 52 losses against Bayern Munich).
Despite this, Koln’s optimistic supporters may draw encouragement from their recent encounters with this weekend’s opponents, winning four of the last six matches, potentially serving as a source of motivation for the visitors ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Team News
Tomas Cvancara is anticipated to be absent from Saturday’s forthcoming match due to an ankle ailment, whereas Jonas Omlin (shoulder) and Alassane Plea (foot) are both uncertain to participate.
Rocco Reitz and Nathan N’Goumou have respectively scored five and four goals, and the home team is counting on their potential contribution, especially considering the potential absence of Plea, who is currently the leading goalscorer for the club with seven goals.
Regarding Koln, the visiting team is facing several absences ahead of the weekend fixture, with Justin Diehl (muscular injury), Mark Uth (knee injury), and Luca Waldschmidt (broken leg) all sidelined. Additionally, Dejan Ljubicic and Jan Thielmann are suspended.
The availability of Damion Downs for the upcoming clash remains uncertain due to a concussion, casting doubt on his participation.
Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Nicolas; Elvedi, Itakura, Wober; Honorat, Reitz, Weigl, Kone, Netz; Jordan, Ngoumou
FC Koln possible starting lineup:
Schwabe; Carstensen, Hubers, Chabot, Finkgrafe; Martel, Huseinbasic; Alidou, Kainz, Maina; Selke