Exciting Rhine Derby: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. FC Köln

This Friday evening, the Bundesliga presents an electrifying Rhine Derby featuring Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Köln. Following their much-needed victory last weekend, Gladbach enters this match with renewed confidence, while Köln, enjoying a remarkable return to the top flight, is poised to secure their place among the European contenders.

Gladbach experienced a significant morale boost with a 4-0 triumph against St. Pauli last weekend. Adding to their positive momentum is the recent announcement that star striker Tim Kleindienst has extended his contract with the club until 2029. Although he has yet to make an appearance this season due to injury, his potential return after the international break is highly anticipated.

As they prepare for the derby, it is expected that Gladbach will maintain consistency in their lineup, aiming to take the initiative against Köln in front of a vibrant crowd at Borussia Park. Utilizing a 3-4-2-1 formation against St. Pauli, Gladbach is likely to stick with this strategy with Haris Tabaković leading the attack. Tabaković, having scored twice and provided an assist in the previous match, continues his impressive form with five goals in eight games. Additionally, Shuto Machino and Oscar Fraulo both celebrated their first Bundesliga goals in that game, adding to the team’s excitement.

Florian Neuhaus has also shown signs of resurgence under head coach Eugen Polanski. After facing challenges earlier in the season, he has been reintegrated into the squad and is displaying his best form once again. The timing for Gladbach seems fortuitous as they gear up for this crucial derby.

Meanwhile, Köln has made an impressive return to the Bundesliga, currently sitting 7th on the table with four wins out of nine matches. If results from other fixtures favor them, a victory over Gladbach could propel them into the European spots heading into the international break.

While the entire Köln squad deserves recognition, Said El Mala has become the standout performer, following his first senior call-up to the German national team ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Luxembourg and Slovakia. The 19-year-old winger has netted four goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season and has garnered attention from prominent clubs such as Bayern Munich and PSG.

El Mala, who started on the bench in the last match against HSV, will be eager to make an impact from the outset this time around. Coach Lukas Kwasniok is likely to retain the same formation and starting lineup that secured victory in Hamburg.

The last encounter between these two teams took place in March 2024, resulting in an exhilarating 3-3 draw. Köln has remained unbeaten in their last three matches against Gladbach, with their only recent defeat occurring in October 2022 when Gladbach triumphed 5-2. In their last six meetings, Gladbach has managed just one victory, while Köln has claimed three wins and the teams have drawn twice.