1. FC Köln vs Hoffenheim preview: Young stars vs European stalwarts | OneFootball

FC Köln

FC Köln will look to improve upon their 14th place finish last year and reach the top half for the first time since their promotion.

Köln were helped massively by an Ísak Jóhannesson double in the first round of the DFB Pokal as they turned around a 1-0 deficit to defeat Wurzburger Kickers 2-1.

Substitute Linton Maina provided the key assist to the winner in the DFB Pokal to see the Billy Goats into the second round. 

New Köln signing and returnee to the side Ellyes Skhiri made an appearance in Wurzburg after being substituted in the 74th minute. 

He will no doubt make his first appearance for Köln since 2023 on Saturday for the home side.

Köln have a pretty good record in recent times against Hoffenheim however with the Rhine side being unbeaten in their last three outings against the south German side.

Ahead of the tie, Köln coach Rene Wagner said: “Everyone is fired up for the first home game and the full stadium. We have a chance to win on Saturday, and we're looking forward to this.”

Team news

Luca Waldschmidt and Sebastian Sebulonsen both got injured during pre-season for the club with a muscular and hamstring problem. Timo Hübers still remains out from his long-term knee injury.

TSG Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim will look to stabilise themselves in Europe this year by finishing in another European position in the Bundesliga after reaching the Europa League last season.

Summer signing from VfL Wolfsburg Patrick Wimmer scored a brace against 3. Liga side Erzgebirge Aue in a comprehensive 4-0 win against the side in the DFB Pokal first round. 

Top Hoffenheim player last season Wouter Burger scored as well in the first round and continued his fine form from last season. 

Hoffenheim started last season with a historic away win against Bayer Leverkusen as Tim Lemperle scored his first of eight Bundesliga goals last campaign. However, he will miss the away tie due to suspension.

Second top scorer Fisnik Asllani also looks like he'll stay at the club for another successful season after his deal with RB Leipzig collapsed. 

Team news

Tim Lemperle is suspended due to a red card from last season so he won't be able to face his former club. Bernardo and Alexander Prass are out with injuries. 

Click here to find the predicted lineups for Köln vs TSG Hoffenheim.