FC Köln v Hamburger SV – probably not the hardest fixture to call, but, nevertheless, it’s a match that certainly presents a good opportunity for punters.
These two teams have been operating at different ends of the Bundesliga spectrum so far this season and there’s no reason to think that this won’t continue on Sunday.
With four wins, three draws and just a single loss, Köln have made a very pleasing start to the new campaign and find themselves sat nicely in fifth position. They may have lost (2-1) last time out against Hertha, but many teams will go away to Berlin and fail to take anything back with them, so this result doesn’t ring any alarm bells and should have little bearing on this fixture. Aside from that defeat last weekend, the hosts have impressed, especially at home. They’ve scored goals, and have looked solid at the back – pretty much everything you want from a good side.
On the other hand, Hamburg have disappointed. They are yet to win a game and, with just two points to their name, the side from the north of Germany are currently at the foot of the table. Losing games is one thing, but losing games without ever looking like winning is a worrying sign. This is often the case when teams find it hard to score goals, although, to say Hamburg are finding it hard to score goals is understatement. Markus Gisdol’s team have scored just two goals this season – they’ve actually scored none under Gisdol’s reign as he was only appointed in late September – and have conceded no less than 15.
Some fixtures look pretty clear-cut and this is one of them. Köln have impressed at home, while Hamburg have looked very poor all-round, never mind just away from home. With this in mind, the hosts are expected to do the business once again in front of their own fans. ‘Köln to Win & Over 1.5 Goals’ is the bet to be on.
Not only have the hosts played well at home this season, but they’ve scored goals with regularity. They’ve scored at least twice in each of their three home wins, notching a total of seven goals. Even their 1-1 draw against Leipzig looks a good result – especially considering how well that particular team have been doing. In addition, Hamburg have leaked goals for fun this season, conceding two or more on four occasions.
Another positive about Köln is that they look to have numerous attacking options within their ranks. Anthony Modeste is the obvious threat and, as the Bundesliga top-scorer with eight goals, the big centre-forward is causing teams problems week in, week out. Elsewhere, players such as Osaka and Risse provide other viable attacking avenues.
Whatever way you look at this fixture, it’s virtually impossible to fancy the visitors and thus the hosts are expected to register a convincing win.
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