Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the DFB-Pokal match.
Since their relegation from the Bundesliga, Köln have remained among the frontrunners in Germany’s second tier. Their trip to face Bayer Leverkusen will be a massive challenge, but with the hosts showing defensive vulnerabilities, an upset is not entirely out of the question.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have lost some momentum since mid-January. Their 11-match winning streak, which had been running since November, was finally broken, and defensive frailties have started to emerge. Leverkusen conceded three goals across their Bundesliga draws with RB Leipzig (2:2) and Hoffenheim (3:1), allowing a concerning 2.66 xGA in those matches. One of Leverkusen’s key weaknesses is dealing with high-pressing opponents, which has been exposed by their Bundesliga rivals. However, they have strengthened in the winter transfer window, with Emiliano Buendía and Mario Hermoso both making their debuts in the last league match.
Köln
Back-to-back wins over Elfsborg (1:0) and Eintracht Braunschweig (2:1) have propelled Köln back to the top of the 2. Bundesliga. They boast the third-best goal difference in the league (+10) and have been solid away from home, collecting 20 points from 10 matches on the road. In the DFB-Pokal, Köln have shown their attacking intent, registering 27 shots over two matches against Holstein Kiel (3:0) and Hertha Berlin (2:1 after extra time). They won both games by taking control of possession and dictating the tempo.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Köln Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen have already beaten Köln twice this season in the Bundesliga (3:0 and 2:0), but local derbies don’t always go their way—they have lost twice in this fixture since March 2022. Given Leverkusen’s recent defensive lapses and Köln’s attacking approach, this match could turn into an open, high-scoring contest.
