A draw seems likely to begin between these two
TEAM NEWS
Bochum are at full strength. They are one of the teams that did a great job on the transfer market as they acquired several interesting players, including Milos Pantovic from Bayern Munich II, Robert Tesche from English side Birmingham, Sebastian Maier from Hannover, Silvere Ganvoula from Anderlecht in Belgium and Vitaly Janelt from RB Leipzig. In Jannik Bandowski they have the only absentee with a knee injury.
After being relegated from Germany's top flight, Cologne have lost several players such as Leonardo Bittencourt, Yuya Osako, Dominique Heintz, Lukas Klunter, Milos Jojic and Dominic Maroh, but the club have made decent signings in the form of new midfielder Dominick Drexler and Rafael Czichos from Holstein Kiel, Louis Schaub from Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna, Benno Schmitz from RB Leipzig and Lasse Sobiech from St. Pauli. Coach Markus Anfang has to replace only injured Marco Hoger for the opener.
Bochum
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee)
Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Marco Hoger (shoulder)
MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Bochum were one of the best teams in the 2. Bundesliga last season after Robin Dutt took over. They managed to win six, draw four and lose only one under him in the final phase of the campaign and ended up on an excellent sixth place despite enduring a lot of trouble during the season. The team have improved their squad in the meatime and should be ready to start the new term with more good results. They could certainly be the dark horses this season.
Relegated Cologne are coming off a disappointing season in 1. Bundesliga which ended with 22 defeats, seven draws and only five wins as well as a disappointing goal difference from -35, which saw them rooted to the bottom of the table However, their aim is to return immediately to 1. Bundesliga and with one of the top squads in the division beside Hamburg they are among the clear-cut favourites for the title. Furthermore, they have made some very good signings, especially from new coach Markus Anfang’s former club Holstein Kiel.
Both teams have a very good squad at their disposal and are evenly matched on paper. Expect this one to end in a draw.
SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW
Ten of Bochum's 17 home games last season were level at half time, with no other team boasting a higher number. Put your money on the teams to be level at the break on Saturday too.
HEAD TO HEAD
Bochum have lost just one of their last five home league meetings against Cologne, winning three and drawing one. Overall they have an even record against Cologne with 11 wins, eight draws and 13 defeats at Vonovia Stadium.
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