Following the international break, league football returns to Wolfsburg as Die Wölfe entertain Köln at the Volkswagen Arena. Both teams won on the opening day, and will be looking to build positively upon their first victories of the 2016/17 Bundesliga campaign.
Strong start for both teams
It was a strong weekend for both teams in contest this week, as both Wolfsburg and Köln enjoyed 2-0 victory’s on the commencing day of the Bundesliga.
Today’s hosts defeated Augsburg 2-0 at the Augsburg Arena. An early goal from new man, Daniel Didavi opened Wolfsburg’s scoring season, the 1-0 lead was added to late on by the unlikely source of Ricardo Rodriguez. Wolfsburg saw off pressure from Augsburg as they waited to double their lead, Dieter Hecking’s team have been in great form in preparation for their season, with four wins in their previous four games in all competitions.
Köln gave their home fans something to cheer about on the opening day, as they were comfortable in defeating visitors, Darmstadt 2-0. Goals from Marcel Risse and Anthony Modeste secured Köln’s victory after a positive and controlling ninety minutes from the Billy Goats. Peter Stöger will be well aware that his team will need to replicate their performance today if they are to take away three points.
Team news
It has been confirmed that both Joshua Guilavogui and Adelino Vierinha are out of contention for today’s game due to injury.
Köln have ruled out Dominic Maroh for the contest, however there are doubts over the availability of Thomas Kessler, Sehrou Guirassy, Marcel Hartel and Konstantin Rausch due to injury.
Predicted 11:
WOB: Casteels; Rodriguez, Bruma, Knoche, Blaszczykowski; Gustavo, Gerhardt, Draxler, Didavi, Caligiuri; Gomez
FCK: Horn; Sorenson, Heintz, Mavraj, Hector; Risse, Bittencourt, Hoger, Lehmann; Modeste, Rudnevs
Spectators of today’s game will be hoping for a thrilling encounter, especially when considering that the previous three meetings between the two have resulted in draws. Can the game be settled by three points today?