Struggling Hoffenheim host Koln in mid-table clash

In what is prospected to be one of the most entertaining matches of Wednesday’s programme of Bundesliga fixtures, Koln visit the ProZero Arena as they battle fellow European hopefuls Hoffenheim.

The hosts are looking to rebuild their recent form, having failed to pick up three points in any of their previous seven – and with top scorer Andrej Kramaric sidelined, prospects seem bleak for Alfred Schreuder’s men. They drew against basement boys Paderborn last time out.

Hoffenheim fans would have been forgiven for expecting a comfortable victory for their team against the division’s bottom side last weekend, but Paderborn equalised only five minutes after Robert Skov’s fourth-minute opener to take a share of the spoils.

Koln come into the fixture from a wonderful run pre-lockdown, but have drawn against strugglers Mainz and Fortuna Dusseldorf since the league returned to action. However, they did return from two goals down against the latter, managed by former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler.

That 2-2 draw leaves Koln two points adrift of their opponents in tenth at this stage of the campaign, a position which will likely satisfy Markus Gisdol.

Team news

The home side will be without Andrej Kramaric, Sargis Adamyan, Ishak Belfodil and Kostas Stafylidis for the fixture this Wednesday.

Munas Dabbur made his return to action off the substitutes bench against Paderborn, and the striker could be in line for a start as both managers look to cope with the hectic fixture schedule.

Kevin Akpoguma did not feature, but the German centre-back could slot in alongside Stefan Posch and Benjamin Hubner in the heart of defence.

Koln forward Jhon Cordoba, who notched up his 11th Bundesliga goal of the season last weekend, will likely feature from the off once again, with former QPR defender Toni Leistner likely to deputise for Robert Czichos yet again in their back line.

Head-to-head

Hoffenheim wins: 8

Draws: 6

Koln wins: 8