Exciting Rhine Derby: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. FC Köln Preview

This Friday evening, the Bundesliga presents an exciting Rhine Derby featuring Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Köln. Gladbach enters this match buoyed by their first league victory last weekend, a much-needed morale boost they hope to carry into this clash. On the other hand, FC Köln has made a remarkable return to the top tier, currently positioned just outside the European qualification spots and eager to secure back-to-back wins that could elevate them into the top six.

Gladbach’s resounding 4-0 away victory against St. Pauli last weekend was crucial for head coach Eugen Polanski’s squad. Adding to the positive atmosphere, the club announced that their star striker, Tim Kleindienst, has signed an extension with the team until 2029. Although he has yet to play this season due to injury, there is anticipation surrounding his potential return following the November international break.

As the derby approaches, it is expected that Gladbach will maintain a consistent lineup, aiming to assert their dominance against Köln in front of a vibrant crowd at Borussia Park. Having opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation against St. Pauli, it is likely they will continue with this strategy, featuring Haris Tabaković as the focal point of their attack. Tabaković had an impressive outing last week, scoring twice and providing an assist, bringing his tally to five goals in eight matches. Additionally, Shuto Machino and Oscar Fraulo both celebrated their first Bundesliga goals during the same game.

Florian Neuhaus has also shown signs of a revival under Polanski’s guidance, having been reintegrated into the squad after a setback earlier this season. His resurgence adds another layer to Gladbach’s attacking options as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

Meanwhile, Lukas Kwasniok’s Köln has enjoyed an impressive return to the Bundesliga, currently sitting 7th in the table with four wins from nine matches. Depending on results this weekend, a victory over Gladbach could see Köln rise into the European qualification places ahead of the international break.

While the collective effort of the Köln squad deserves recognition, Said El Mala has been in the spotlight. The former Gladbach player earned his first senior call-up to the German national team for their upcoming matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia. At just 19, El Mala has netted four goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season, garnering interest from top clubs like Bayern Munich and PSG. After starting on the bench against HSV, he is eager to make an impactful start this weekend.

Kwasniok is likely to stick with the same formation and starting eleven that triumphed in Hamburg last week. The previous encounter between these two teams occurred in March 2024, concluding in an exhilarating 3-3 draw. Köln remains unbeaten in their last three meetings with Gladbach, with their last defeat against them occurring in October 2022, when Gladbach secured a 5-2 victory.

In their last six matchups, Gladbach has managed just one win, while Köln has claimed three victories and the teams have drawn twice.