Match Overview and Initial Forecast

This fourth-round clash between RB Leipzig and FC Köln is scheduled for September 20th at the Red Bull Arena. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, odds, and key statistics.

RB Leipzig’s Current Form

Under the guidance of Ole Werner, RB Leipzig recently secured a 1-0 away victory against Mainz. This win marks their second consecutive triumph, a strong recovery following their initial heavy 0-6 loss to Bayern Munich at the start of the season. Impressively, they kept clean sheets in both of their recent wins. The club has now accumulated six points, placing them in seventh position in the league standings.

Key Statistics: RB Leipzig at Home

• The team has avoided defeat in 10 of their last 12 home fixtures, recording 6 wins and 4 draws.
• Leipzig’s players have scored at least twice in 10 of their last 12 home league matches.
• Both teams found the net in 6 of RB Leipzig’s last 8 home games.

RB Leipzig Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Péter Gulácsi – David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Willi Orbán, Ridle Baku – Antonio Nusa, Christoph Baumgartner, Xaver Schlager – Nicolas Seiwald, Romulo Cardozo, Johan Bakayoko.

Team News: RB Leipzig Injuries

Midfielders Antonio Nusa and Xaver Schlager are sidelined due to injuries.

FC Köln’s Performance Overview

In their previous fixture, Lucas Kwasniok’s side played out an entertaining 3-3 draw away against Wolfsburg. Notably, FC Köln had to come from behind twice in that match, scoring two crucial goals in second-half injury time. This result marks their first draw of the current season, though they have now collected points in six of their last seven encounters (3 wins, 3 draws). With seven points, the team currently occupies third place in the league table. It’s worth highlighting that FC Köln, with 8 goals scored, is only outscored by Bayern Munich (14) in the current championship.

Key Statistics: FC Köln Away Form

• The club has failed to win in 11 of its last 12 away matches, registering 7 draws and 4 defeats.
• FC Köln scored exactly one goal in 7 of their last 10 away league matches.
• Both teams scored in 8 of FC Köln’s last 10 away games.

FC Köln Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)*

Marvin Schwäbe – Kristoffer Lund Hansen, Timo Hübers, Rav van den Berg – Sebastian Sebulonsen, Eric Martel, Jan-Luca Waldschmidt, Joël Schmid – Jakub Kamiński, Marius Bülter, Jan Thielmann.

Team News: FC Köln Injury Report

Defender Rav van den Berg will miss the match due to injury.

Match Official: Head Referee

Benjamin Brand (Germany)

Matches – 17 (, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties awarded – 24%.

RB Leipzig vs FC Köln: Final Prediction

At home, RB Leipzig typically adopts an aggressive, attacking style of play, asserting dominance over opponents. The team rarely struggles to create chances and scores consistently: in their last 13 home matches, the club has found the net, scoring fewer than two goals in only three of those encounters. However, their defense isn’t without flaws, as RB Leipzig has kept just three clean sheets during the same period.

FC Köln’s away results haven’t been particularly convincing, yet the team seldom fails to score on the road. In their last ten away league matches, the only opponent they couldn’t breach was Bayern Munich. Conversely, in 11 of their last 12 away fixtures, FC Köln has been unable to keep a clean sheet.

I anticipate both teams will score in this encounter, and my prediction is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 1.63

Note on Lineups

* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.