FC Cologne vs RB Leipzig Preview: Will Leipzig make it back into the top three?

Can Leipzig bounce back from last week's draw with a win tomorrow night?

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 23: Sebastiaan Bornauw of 1. FC Koeln and Timo Werner of RB Leipzig battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Koeln at Red Bull Arena on November 23, 2019 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

By Will Laing31 May 2020 20:14 BST

The final nail was hammered into the coffin of RB Leipzig's title challenge last week. Yet another draw, this time against Hertha Berlin, forced the Red Bulls further from their title rivals Bayern Munich.

FC Cologne have also seen their season stagnate. Stuck in the mediocrity of the middle of the table, the Billy Goats have yet to get going since the return from lockdown.

It could have been argued last week that they were simply unbeaten since resumption, but following an unconvincing 3-1 loss to Hoffenheim, that run has morphed into a winless stagger.

The Unbeatable Leipzig

Despite being the draw specialists of the Bundesliga, Leipzig have found themselves on a run of nine games unbeaten. The downside is that they have only won three of those nine.

Their draw to Hertha last week was their tenth draw of the season - a stat that can only be matched by Schalke 04.

It could be argued that their inability to convert draws into victories is what has held them back in this campaign.

Away from home is where their form starts to become impressive. Julian Nagelsmann's side haven't conceded in their last four away fixtures. Perhaps even more impressively, Leipzig have won all seven away games in which they have scored first.

The Unpredictable Cologne

Cologne have been the ones to watch for the neutrals since returning from lockdown. Each of their games since resumption have all featured four goals.

Even better viewing still is the fact that Cologne are yet to head back into the dressing room level at half-time.

You can't be sure which way a Cologne game is going to go - even in the dying embers of the game. Although they love to score an early goal, the Billy Goats have netted seven times in the final quarter of an hour.

Player to watch: Jhon Cordoba

Despite taking a couple of games to warm up following the two month hiatus, Cordoba came close on numerous occasions, and now looks ready to start adding to his goal tally.

The Colombian has bagged 11 goals this campaign - seven of which have come in the first half.

Player to watch: Patrick Schick

For once the limelight may not completely be shining on Timo Werner tomorrow evening. Quite rightly he has received his plaudits for his contributions this season. However, his strike partner Yussuf Poulsen has found himself on the treatment table ahead of tomorrow's fixture.

All is not lost for Leipzig though, Czech Republic international, Patrick Schick is more than capable of stepping up to the plate. He has already started to justify his hefty €18m price tag upon his arrival from AS Roma.

With eight goals and two assists in the league, all without getting regular first team football, is a healthy return for the youngster. He bagged Leipzig's second against Hertha, so all eyes will be on him to produce the goods again tomorrow.

Team news: FC Cologne

The only player unavailable from last week's squad will be Sebastiaan Bornauw who will miss out through suspension.

Rafael Czichos is still out due to a back injury, and Niklas Hauptmann is also absent following his groin strain he picked up back in December.