Germany Cup - Bayer Leverkusen VS FC Koln Prediction
Germany Cup - Bayer Leverkusen VS FC Koln
Match Time:06-02-2025 03:45 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Nathan Tella, who is recovering from a hip injury. While the forward’s absence is not expected to be long-term, this quarter-final clash may come too soon for his return. In his absence, Jonas Hofmann and Amine Adli are likely to start in the attacking midfield roles, supporting the central striker.
Leverkusen’s injury concerns extend beyond Tella, with Martin Terrier ruled out for the rest of the season due to a long-term injury. Defensively, Jeanuel Belocian is also sidelined, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with a decision to make in central defence. With Belocian unavailable, Alonso may opt for a back three comprising Mario Hermoso, Nordi Mukiele, and Piero Hincapie to provide defensive stability.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka could be given a rest due to workload management, considering the 32-year-old’s importance to the squad. His absence may open the door for Robert Andrich to start alongside Exequiel Palacios in the centre of the park, providing both defensive solidity and attacking transitions.
Leverkusen are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lukas Hradecky in goal. The back three is likely to feature Mario Hermoso on the right, Nordi Mukiele in the centre, and Piero Hincapie on the left.
The wing-backs will be crucial to Leverkusen’s attacking play, with Jeremie Frimpong operating on the right and Alejandro Grimaldo on the left, offering width and creativity. In midfield, Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios are expected to form a double pivot, dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks.
In attack, Jonas Hofmann and Amine Adli will play just behind the main striker, providing support and linking up with Patrik Schick, who will lead the line for Bayer Leverkusen against FC Koln on Wednesday.
FC Koln
Koln head into this quarter-final clash against Bayer Leverkusen with several injury concerns. Midfielders Jacob Steen Christensen and Mathias Olesen remain unavailable, limiting manager Gerhard Struber’s options in the centre of the park. Their absence is likely to see Dejan Ljubicic and Eric Martel form a double pivot, tasked with balancing both defensive duties and building play from midfield.
Defensively, Luca Kilian has been ruled out, forcing Struber to rely on a back three consisting of Timo Hubers, Joel Schmied, and Dominique Heintz. This defensive trio will be responsible for maintaining solidity against Leverkusen’s potent attack while also helping to transition the ball forward from the back.
In the attacking department, Mark Uth and Tim Lemperle will be unavailable for selection, further limiting Koln’s options in the final third. Given their absences, Damion Downs and Steffen Tigges are expected to lead the attack together. The duo has experience playing as a pair, having previously partnered in Koln’s match against Eintracht Braunschweig on February 1, and they will look to replicate that chemistry in this crucial cup tie.
FC Koln are expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Marvin Schwabe starting in goal. The back three will likely feature Timo Hubers on the right, Joel Schmied in the centre, and Dominique Heintz on the left. Jusuf Gazibegovic is expected to operate as the right wing-back, providing width and supporting the attack, while Leart Paqarada will take up the left wing-back role, offering an additional attacking outlet from the flanks.
In midfield, Dejan Ljubicic and Eric Martel will form the central partnership, working to break up opposition play while also dictating tempo when in possession. Further forward, Florian Kainz is expected to operate in an advanced midfield role, acting as the primary creative force behind the front two. Leading the line will be Damion Downs and Steffen Tigges, who will be responsible for stretching the Leverkusen defence and capitalizing on attacking opportunities.
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Hermoso, Mukiele, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Palacios, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Adli; Schick
FC Koln possible starting lineup:
Schwabe; Hubers, Schmied, Heintz; Gazibegovic, Ljubicic, Martel, Paqarada; Kainz; Downs, Tigges
Bayer Leverkusen vs Koln Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two Rhineland-based rivals have crossed paths 91 times in all competitions. Leverkusen have the upper hand in these meetings with 36 wins. The visitors are not far behind with 25 wins and 30 games have ended in draws.
They last met in the previous Bundesliga season, and the hosts secured a league double with a 5-0 win on aggregate.
They have met thrice in the DFB-Pokal thus far. The hosts have two wins to their name and came out on top in the 2002 semifinals, recording a 3-1 home win.
Bayer Leverkusen have lost just one of their last 16 games across all competitions. They have registered 13 wins in that period.
Koln have suffered just one loss in their last 12 games with that loss coming away from home last month.
Seven of the last nine meetings between them have produced over 2.5 goals.
The visitors have won five of their last six away games while keeping four clean sheets.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 FC Koln
Leverkusen have been outstanding at home for some time, and it is difficult to see them losing against their second-tier opponents. Additionally, FC Koln have often relied on taking ties in the DFB-Pokal to extra time, but against one of the Bundesliga's best, they may fall short.
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