1. FC Köln vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: Local rivalry heats with Köln unbeaten at home

FC Köln

Köln are unbeaten in five home games this season with their last home game being the most impressive of all: a 5-0 win against Union Berlin in the DFB Pokal second round.

Alongside this, the hosts have improved their record massively defensively as they've conceded one goal in their last three games.

However, not all is bright as Köln has also only scored once in their last three games in somewhat of a drought in front of goal despite more shots (11) than Union Berlin in last weekend's 1-1 draw.

In spite of this, Malek El Mala was a bright shining light as he came on for his debut in Berlin against Union Berlin and scored within seven minutes to equalise with his younger brother Said involved in the goal.

Malek's brother, Said, has also rewarded himself with another Germany call-up for the games against Serbia and the Netherlands in the Nations League.

This goal holds even more weight as Köln are without strikers Imad Rondić and Thijs Dallinga with Ragnar Ache being doubtful for the weekend's tie.

Before the game against Leverkusen, Köln coach René Wagner said: “I hope we can create uncertainty right from the start. If we create an atmosphere, we have a great chance of winning the game.”

Team news

Currently Rav van den Berg, Thijs Dallinga, Ellyes Skhiri, Timo Hübers and Imad Rondić are all out injured.

The aforementioned Ragnar Ache remains a doubt and probably will only be fit enough to be on the bench.

Bayer Leverkusen

Compounding a poor run of form recently, Bayer Leverkusen lost their first Europa League game against Marseille at home 1-0 in midweek.

For Leverkusen, the last two Bundesliga games have been rough as they've lost to Stuttgart and Hoffenheim by conceding three or more goals in both.

However, Köln have been a side where teams have been able to turn around poor form or a bad run in the season. 

For example, Hamburg were without a single point on matchday four when they managed to beat the Rhine river side.

Another help for Bayer Leverkusen is Patrick Schick who has seven goals in the Bundesliga already and his form against Köln is great too with four goals and an assist in his last three games against the cathedral city side.

The form of the Czech striker has allowed Leverkusen to be a high-scoring side and they have scored 18 goals in the league which is only bettered by Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.

Alongside this, Bayer 04 have a great record against Köln with five wins in their last five encounters in all competitions.

Ahead of the local rivalry, Bayer Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez said: “We want to give our fans a fantastic day. We want to fight for them and win.”

Team news

The away side are without Moussa Diaby, Guéla Doué, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Kennet Eichhorn, Martin Terrier and Christian Kofane. 

Nathan Tella and Loïc Badé are doubts.