1. FC Köln – SV Elversberg

A home clash awaits 1. FC Köln as they host SV Elversberg, a fixture that could prove pivotal in the early stages of the campaign. Köln sit twelfth with four points from a win, a draw and a loss, having scored five and conceded seven, while Elversberg sit comfortably in sixth place, boasting six points from two victories and a single defeat and a slightly better goal difference at eight‑seven. The gap in form suggests the visitors will look to build on their recent momentum, whereas the hosts will be eager to close the gap to the top half of the table. Both sides will be keen to improve their standing, making the encounter a potentially decisive test for their ambitions this season.