Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Köln, DFB-Pokal quarter-final preview: Holders look to take control in derby | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen come into this clash in strong form, following a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday, which has placed them second in the table, just six points behind Bayern Munich.

Xabi Alonso’s side has been a formidable force this season, boasting the second-best attack in the Bundesliga with 49 goals scored, and their defence has also been solid, with the joint fourth-best record in the league.

They have been particularly strong in the DFB-Pokal, where they’ve kept five consecutive clean sheets, winning 10-0 over their last five matches in the competition.

Leverkusen’s home form is exceptional, having won nine of their last 10 games at the BayArena, making them the favourites heading into this encounter. They will be hoping to maintain their excellent cup run after defeating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the round of 16, benefiting from a red card to Manuel Neuer but still creating few chances in a tight contest. Nathan Tella’s 69th-minute strike proved to be the difference in that match.

Team News

Leverkusen will be without forward Nathan Tella, who is recovering from a hip injury and is not expected to be fit in time for Wednesday’s match. Amine Adli could take his place in the attack, alongside Jonas Hofmann and striker Patrik Schick.

Leverkusen also have long-term absentees in Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Belocian, with Belocian’s absence likely to see Mario Hermoso start alongside Nordi Mukiele and Piero Hincapie in a back three. Midfielder Granit Xhaka, at 32 years old, may be rested, with Robert Andrich set to step in, possibly alongside Exequiel Palacios.

FC Köln

Köln, under the guidance of head coach Gerhard Struber, have been on a good run of their own. They are currently top of the 2. Bundesliga with 37 points, though they face stiff competition for promotion with only a two-point lead over third-place Magdeburg.

The Billy Goats progressed to this stage of the cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hertha Berlin, with Dejan Ljubicic scoring in the 121st minute to secure the win after extra time. They have been strong on the road, winning five of their last six away matches, and have triumphed in six of their last seven across all competitions.

However, they face a tall order in this match, as they have been outclassed by Leverkusen in their recent head-to-heads, with the hosts winning the last two editions of the derby.

Team News

Köln will have to contend with several injury absentees of their own. Midfielders Jacob Steen Christensen and Mathias Olesen are sidelined, which could see Dejan Ljubicic and Eric Martel form a central midfield duo.

The visitors will also be without defender Luca Kilian, meaning Timo Hübers, Joel Schmied, and Dominique Heintz are likely to start in a back three. Up front, Koln will have to cope without top scorers Mark Uth and Tim Lemperle, leaving Damion Downs and Steffan Tigges as candidates to lead the attack.