1. FC Köln have had a mixed first half of the season so far. After a decent start with seven points from three games, the Rhinelanders have stalled of late and are without a win in five matchdays. It is only thanks to their successful start to the season that they still have a five-point lead over third from bottom and the relegation play-off spot.

One of the reasons for their current slump is their defence. Effzeh have conceded the third-most goals in their last five league games. One reason for this is certainly the injuries to central defenders Timo Hübers and Joël Schmied, which have left a at the back that only goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe has been able to fill so far. The keeper has made the third-most saves in the league and is thus an important pillar of the Köln back-line.

Another key factor in the Geißböcke's game is the threat they pose down the left wing. Almost 50 percent of all their attacks are initiated here, with rising star Said El Mala in particular repeatedly looking to get in behind the defence and, with six goals and three assists, is their most important attacking force.

Union and Köln have already faced each other in 18 competitive matches so far. Union have won nine, Effzeh have six while three have ended in draws. Looking solely at the ten Bundesliga encounters between the two sides, the picture is even clearer: Union have won seven, two games ended in draws, while Saturday’s hosts have only managed to take all three points once.

Dominique Heintz has declared himself fit in time and will come up against some familiar faces on Saturday. The 32-year-old centre-back was under contract with Union from January 2022 to August 2023, during which time he was loaned to VfL Bochum for one season. There will be another reunion with Marius Bülter, who played in Köpenick between 2019 and 2021 and has three goals and three assists so far this season.

There will also be a return on the sidelines as Union's head coach Steffen Baumgart returns to his former place of work. The 53-year-old stood on the touchline as head coach of 1. FC Köln in 98 competitive games, with assistant coach René Wagner at his side, among others. Wagner was also at Baumgart’s side in 19 games for Union before returning to FC in the summer and now completing Lukas Kwasniok's coaching team.

Baumgart and his coaching team will have to do without Robert Skov and Dmytro Bogdanov on Saturday. Janik Haberer is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card and will miss the game.

“Köln have certainly not achieved the results they envisioned recently. Nevertheless, they are having a solid first half of the season, especially after a very strong start," said Union head coach, Steffen Baumgart, during his press conference on Thursday afternoon. "Lukas Kwasniok and his team adapt well to different opponents. It is even more important for us to focus on ourselves, bring our strengths onto the pitch, and invest everything for three points one more time before Christmas. I am very much looking forward to it, and want to win this match.” 

His opposite  number, Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok, emphasised before the match: “Union will play very physically, and we must respond resolutely to that. At the same time, it is clear that we cannot afford to give a team like Union, who have great strength in set pieces, any unnecessary opportunities.”

3,300 Union fans will travel to Cologne for the away game. The Union Fahr-Zeughaus will also be there. Information about visiting the stadium can be found here (German).