Cologne vs Werder Bremen

RheinEnergieStadion sets the stage for a high-stakes Bundesliga clash between Cologne and Werder Bremen.

Cologne’s form curve has taken an upward trajectory since replacing former manager Steffen Baumgart with Timo Schultz at the start of the new calendar year (W1, D3, L1). More importantly, once a clueless frontline has now found the net in all four unbeaten matches under the new coach, including a stomach-wrenching 1-1 draw away against TSG Hoffenheim last weekend. Conceding a stoppage-time equalizer left Cologne stranded in the drop zone, five points adrift of safety. Back to the  RheinEnergieStadion, the ‘Billy Goats’ are looking to improve the third-worst Bundesliga home record this season (W2, D3, L5). But four of those five defeats came against sides from the top eight, suggesting a positive outcome against 10th-placed Werder Bremen could be on the cards. Back-to-back winless H2Hs (D1, L1) tells a different story.

Visiting Werder Bremen will be out to make it three straight H2Hs unbeaten following a morale-damaging 2-1 home defeat to promoted Heidenheim last weekend, which knocked them down from a three-game winning Bundesliga streak. Leaving the comforts of their home could be a blessing in disguise, with Werder going unbeaten in all three away league matches in 2024 (W2, D1) despite scoring precisely once on each occasion. That run has seen Ole Werner’s side pick up seven of their nine away points this season, setting them up nicely for this trip. Their effort to build on that haul will hinge on a fast start, considering they’ve won just one away point after conceding the opening goal this term.