FC Köln vs. Augsburg preview: Two teams eyeing back-to-back wins | OneFootball

FC Köln

After winning the 2.Bundesliga title last term, newly-promoted Köln made an impressive start to their top-flight campaign, picking up seven points from their opening three matches. While their early momentum was halted by consecutive defeats, Köln returned to winning ways against Hoffenheim in their final outing before the international break. Said El Mala’s 16th-minute effort proved enough to seal all three points in the away clash, ensuring Köln went into the international window in sixth position and just two points adrift of the top four.

Lukas Kwasniok's side will return to action with their third home game of the Bundesliga season, and the hosts should fancy their chances of troubling the scorers as one of six teams that are yet to draw a blank in the top flight this season.

They have fared well in recent encounters against Augsburg, having won three and drawn two of their last five matches. With that said, they may be concerned by the fact that they have won just one of their previous nine top-flight matches against the Fuggerstädter.

Team News

The hosts are without the injured duo of Luca Kilian and Rav van den Berg. Meanwhile, Marius Bülter is available for selection, but is not quite ready to feature from the start.

Predicted lineup: Schwäbe; Schmied, Hübers, Heintz; Sebulonsen, Jóhannesson, Martel, Lund; Thielmann, Kamiński, Ache

Augsburg

Augsburg are sitting in 14th position after winning two and losing four of their opening six Bundesliga matches. Sandro Wagner started his time as a Bundesliga head coach with a 3-1 victory over Freiburg, before he was given a reality check with four consecutive defeats.

Wagner would have been relieved to see his team return to winning ways in their most recent outing against Wolfsburg. Noah Banks, Mert Kömür and Robin Fellhauer all found the net in a commanding 3-1 victory, representing Augsburg’s first home success of the season.

The Fuggerstädter will now be aiming to record back-to-back league victories for the first time this season. However, if they are to pick up maximum points, they will have to beat Köln for the first time since collecting a 2-0 away win in December 2021.

The first goal could be crucial to Augsburg’s chances of collecting a positive result, considering they have lost all three league games in which they have conceded first this season.

Team News

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is closing in on a return to action, although it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Saturday’s fixture. Meanwhile, Elvis Rexhbeçaj is hoping to shake off a knock he picked up on international duty.

Predicted lineup: Dahmen; Jakic, Matsima, Banks; Fellahauer, Massengo, Rexhbeçaj, Giannoulis; Rieder, Saad; Kömür