1.FC Köln - Union Berlin

Favourites Cologne to take all three points

TEAM NEWS

Cologne will be without the injured Marco Hoger while Jorge Mere was sent off against Bochum after two yellow cards and is suspended for this match. 

Union Berlin could once again be without the long-term injured Fabian Schonheim and Sebastian Polter.

Cologne

Suspended: Jorge Mere

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marco Hoger (shoulder)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim (knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Promotion candidates Cologne started with a victory into the new season as they beat Bochum 2-0 away last Saturday. Maxim Leitsch scored an own goal to give Cologne the lead before the break while newly-signed defender Rafael Czichos scored a second goal from close range in the 59^thminute to secure the victory in a closely contested match. Although they were not particularly impressive and managed only five shots on target over the course of the game, Markus Anfang's side will be pleased about getting the new season off to the perfect start and will now look to repeat that feat in their first home encounter of the campaign against Union Berlin.

Union Berlin produced a dominant performance in their opener at home against Aue last time out, in which they had an incredible 17 attempts on goal. Urs Fischer’s side applied incessant pressure on their opponents from the moment the game kicked off, but they found the net only once. Felix Kroos' goal in 87^thminute was enough for a narrow 1-0 home win. Nevertheless, Union Berlin were very happy with the outcome and the three points. With that win in the bag, they can travel to promotion favourites Cologne without a lot less pressure.

Both teams have started the new campaign with a win, but the two squads are very different in terms of quality. Furthermore, Union Berlin didn't impress on the road last term, with only two wins, three draws and six losses in their last 11 matches. Giants Cologne should be able to get the job done in front of their crowd. 

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – COLOGNE 

Historically, Cologne have scored first in all of their three home league encounters against Union Berlin, netting an incredible 13 goals whilst keeping a clean sheet in each game. Expect the hosts to break the deadlock again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

There have been only six league meetings between these teams, with Cologne winning five and losing only once.