Köln vs. Darmstadt preview: A huge relegation scrap
Köln
With five matches remaining, it’s now or never for the Billy Goats to survive in the first division. These next two weeks against relegation-rivals Darmstadt and Mainz will determine if they can close a five-point gap to safety.
Köln are still struggling to score and could desperately use some more heroics from Luca Waldschmidt and Steffen Tigges. There will undoubtedly be a wild atmosphere at the Müngersdorfer Stadion in this must-win fixture.
Timo Schultz commented, “We will do everything in our power to win the game at the weekend. Every game is a final at the moment. We're going from week to week and game to game. The focus is on Saturday and three points.”
Team News
Luca Kilian, Davie Selke, Justin Diehl and Dejan Ljubicic are unavailable. Denis Huseinbasic and Eric Martel will both be in the squad. Mark Uth returned to full training this week, but his status is still questionable.
Darmstadt
If they don’t claim a point on Saturday, Darmstadt’s relegation back to the second division is confirmed. But, if there’s anytime to give their diehard supporters a glimmer of hope, it’s against the lowly Billy Goats this weekend.
Darmstadt are suffering through major injury concerns and have a fairly depleted squad. Focus will be on the back three of Riedel, Klarer and Maglica, who looked improved against Freiburg last week.
In his presser, Torsten Lieberknecht said, “We are ready to tackle and end the games in a highly professional manner until the last matchday. In addition, our fans had to go through a lot of disappointment this season: We also want to convey to them that we will never give up and represent Darmstadt 98 well.”
Team News
Fabian Holland, Braydon Manu, Alexander Brunst, Marvin Mehlem and Fraser Hornby are out. Tim Skarke, Julian Justvan and Fabian Nürnberger will be available, while Oscar Vilhelmsson is questionable.