RB Leipzig – 1. FC Köln

RB Leipzig host 1. FC Köln in what promises to be a clash between a side perched in fifth place with six points from two wins and a side languishing in twelfth with four points after a win, a draw and a loss. Leipzig have been prolific at home, scoring nine goals while conceding just three, whereas Köln have struggled defensively, letting in seven in three games and finding the net only five times. The disparity in goal difference – Leipzig’s +6 to Köln’s – suggests the hosts will look to impose their attacking rhythm early on. Yet Köln’s recent draw shows they can grind out results, and a point could keep their mid‑table hopes alive. The encounter could well decide whether Leipzig solidify a top‑four push or Köln claw back into the European contention race.