FC Köln vs. VfL Wolfsburg preview: Can the Billy Goats get back on track?
Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to lowly Stuttgart last weekend, Köln are hoping to pick up points against a dazed Wolfsburg side on Matchday 22.
FC Köln
Köln started 2023 with a bang and went on quite the run without suffering any defeats. But, last week’s loss to Stuttgart was a bit of a head-scratcher as the Billy Goats now return home following carnival week.
Timo Hübers will be back in the starting lineup after serving his suspension and Köln will rely heavily on the playmaking skills of Ellyes Skhiri, who surprisingly leads the Bundesliga with five goals this calendar year. Saturday's match against Wolfsburg is a big one in Köln’s push to return to those magical European nights.
In his press conference, Steffen Baumgart stated, “Wolfsburg are a team who are right at the top of the league with their intensity, sprints and their aggressive pressing. They also have a lot of quality in their squad. It won't be easy.”
Team News
Sebastian Andersson, Dimitrios Limnios, Mark Uth and Florian Dietz remain out with long-term injuries. Benno Schmitz is ill, while Jan Thielmann, Luca Kilian and Kristian Pedersen are also out.
VfL Wolfsburg
The green company club beat Hertha 5-0 on Matchday 17, but haven’t won a league game since. It’s almost as if Wolfsburg have forgotten how to score with only three goals recorded in their last four matches.
But, the 7th-place side still pretty much control their own destiny with a spot in next year’s Europa Conference League looking very attainable. The likes of Arnold, Wimmer and Wind need to start producing in front of goal if Wolfsburg want to hold onto their decent standing in the table.
Niko Kovac shared, “We have to make sure that we hold our own. We all know the atmosphere at Köln, it’s going to be a nice game. We need to finally get back to doing what served us well, namely good defending.”
Team News
Lukas Nmecha is ill and won’t play, while Maxence Lacroix will probably be included in the squad. Sebastiaan Bornauw is suspended, meaning Wolfsburg are hoping Lacroix recovers from his illness in time for a place in the starting 11.