Hoffenheim vs. FC Köln preview: Can Matarazzo’s side continue their hot form?
The Billy Goats will undoubtedly take lots of fans to Hoffenheim, as both sides look to further distance themselves from the relegation zone on Matchday 29.
Hoffenheim
Pellegrino Matarazzo was a game away from getting sacked a month ago, but Hoffenheim have now surprisingly won three straight matches and even drew away to Bayern last weekend. On 29 points, they aren't safe quite yet and need at least one more win to confirm their spot in the first division next season.
Andrej Kramaric has really stepped up his game of late and the defense has only allowed three goals in their last four games. Christoph Baumgartner is expected to continue playing up front this weekend and notably, Hoffenheim haven’t lost in their last 13 matchups against Köln.
At his presser, Matarazzo discussed, "We are not (safe) yet, that is clear. We briefly celebrated the point in Munich, the focus is now on Köln and the work continues. Our performance against Köln will take us to the next level."
Team News
Kevin Vogt and Grischa Prömel are questionable, but Justin Che, Finn Ole Becker, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Stanley Nsoki won’t suit up. In other news, Dennis Geiger signed a contract extension until 2027 this week.
FC Köln
After a disastrous couple of months, it looks like Steffen Baumgart’s side are finally starting to play some consistent football. They haven’t lost in their last three league matches and are slowly inching themselves away from the relegation conversation.
The Billy Goats are still searching for dependable goal scorers and it doesn’t get any easier against a suddenly compact and sound Hoffenheim team. With matches remaining against Freiburg, Leverkusen and Bayern, Köln could really use a point on Saturday.
Baumgart commented, "We are obviously really pleased that a lot of fans will follow us to Hoffenheim. That is always the case. The rest of our fans will be crossing their fingers from Köln. We know we can rely upon our fans. Everything knows that."
Team News
Florian Dietz and Mark Uth are out, while Sebastian Andersson is doubtful. Baumgart mentioned that Timo Hübers is in pain from a knock, but he’s still expected to be a squad option.