Jahn Regensburg - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to end hosts' unbeaten run with away win

TEAM NEWS

Jahn Regensburg have four injured players to deal with as Oliver Hein, Sebastian Nachreiner, Jonas Fohrenbach and Julian Derstroff have been ruled out.

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Nikolas Nartey, Christian Clemens, Jonas Hector and Lasse Sobiech. 

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee); Jonas Fohrenbach (ankle), Julian Derstroff (pulled muscle)

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nikolas Nartey (foot), Christian Clemens (ligament rupture), Lasse Sobiech (broken toe), Jonas Hector (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Regensburg are coming off a 1-1 draw against Aue and are now on a ten-game unbeaten run, consisting of four wins and six draws. Achim Beierlorzer’s side came from behind after going 1-0 down in the ninth minute, equalising a few minutes later. However, they were the better side and should have won their last league outing, missing too many good attempts. Regensburg's outstanding run sees them sitting in tenth, but they have won only twice on their own turf this season, drawing four and losing one.

Since having to give up their position at the top of the standings last month, Cologne have won each of their last three games in the league and are currently only one point adrift of leaders Hamburg. Markus Anfang’s side have been on fire of late, scoring an incredible 15 goals in an 8-1 home win over Dresden, 3-0 away victory against Darmstadt and 4-0 home success on their own turf against Greuther Furth last weekend. They should without a doubt be strong candidates for promotion. Only Hamburg are beating them when it comes to Cologne's away form, having secured 16 points from 21 on offer. 

Regensburg may be hard to break down at the moment, but I consider Cologne a class above the hosts and expect them to inflict a first defeat in nearly three months on the home team. This will be an away win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – COLOGNE

Cologne have scored the opening goal in their last three league matches, with all of them ending in wins, while Jahn Regensburg have conceded first in three of their last four league fixtures. Take a punt on Cologne to score first here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The sides have met only twice so far in league action, with Cologne winning 3-2 away and 2-1 at home in 2012-13.