1.FC Köln - Arminia Bielefeld

Cologne set to take three points at Rhein Energie Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann.

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Tom Schutz and Christopher Nothe are sidelined.

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Tom Schutz (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Cologne have put their poor run of three losses and one win firmly behind them. After seeing off relegation candidates Ingolstadt in a 2-1 away win last weekend, they have now recorded three straight victories in league action and are leading the table on 48 points and with a one-point lead over Hamburg. Markus Anfang’s men were excellent against Ingolstadt from the very first whistle and were 2-0 ahead until conceding the hosts’ only goal in stoppage time.

Bielefeld picked up a priceless 1-0 win over Darmstadt at home in their last league outing, which ended a two-match winless run of one draw and one loss. The side have now won four, drawn one and lost only one of their last six league matches while they are unbeaten in their last six away league contests with three wins and three draws, picking up 12 points from an available 18 in the process. However, Bielefeld still remain in a mid-table position, trailing the top three by 13 points.

Leaders Cologne have found their form again in recent weeks and they will be targeting all three points here to cement their position at the top of the league standings. Take a punt on the hosts to seal a home victory over Bielefeld.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - COLOGNE

Cologne have scored the opening goal in eight of their last nine league wins. Back Cologne to score first in this one, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Cologne are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Bielefeld (three wins, one draw). The sides have played each other only once in the league in the last five years, with Cologne registering a 3-1 away win back in September.