Cologne — Augsburg : Match Preview and Prediction for October 18,2025

Cologne started their campaign energetically, securing victories in their first two matches and salvaging a 3-3 draw against Wolfsburg. However, opponents gradually adapted to Lukas Kwasniok’s team, leading to a 1-3 loss in Leipzig and a 1-2 home defeat against Stuttgart. Nevertheless, “The Billy Goats” ended the international break on a positive note, having managed a 1-0 away win in Sinsheim against Hoffenheim, thanks to an early goal from El Mai. They successfully held onto their advantage until the final whistle.

This victory currently places the hosts within the championship’s top 6 and in a European qualification spot, but their long-term consistency remains to be seen. For the upcoming match against Augsburg, Cologne will only be without Kilian Van Den Berg.

Augsburg underwent significant changes this summer, dismissing coach Jess Thorup and sporting director Marinko Jurendic due to a “desire to further develop the project,” and bringing in Sandro Wagner. Julian Nagelsmann’s former assistant in the national team is taking on his first independent head coaching role, and it appears the Bavarian club has taken a step back compared to Thorup’s tenure last season.

The Bavarians are frankly faltering at the start of this season, and their inexperienced coach seems uncertain in his position, which he might soon vacate given the results. While they did manage to break a four-match losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg before the break, Augsburg continues to concede goals in every match. They currently sit 14th in the league, although they were in the relegation zone until the 6th round. For the match against Cologne at the RheinEnergieSTADION, the visitors will be without Gouweleeuw and Rexhbecaj.