Cologne vs Union prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
On October 27, 2026, Cologne will face Union in the round of 32 of the German Cup. The visitors are unlikely to be overly motivated to fight for a place in the next round.
Cologne vs Union: team news and expert analysis
The club from the "RheinEnergieSTADION" has dropped into the 2. Bundesliga several times in recent years. Last season, they managed just 32 points, but that was still enough to secure a comfortable 14th place. This time, after opening the campaign with a win, they have mostly alternated between defeats and draws. After a 0-1 defeat away to Eintracht, they played out a goalless 0-0 draw with Schalke.
The Berlin side had previously reached the Champions League. However, soon afterwards they found themselves in the relegation play-out, narrowly avoiding a drop into the second division. In the spring, they even climbed to 11th place with 39 points. But now, under Lustrinelli, they have taken just one point from their first four matches, finally recording their first win in October against newcomers Elversberg. They then drew with Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg.
In the cup, the current hosts struggled for a long time against Würzburger Kickers, but eventually fought back to win 2-1. Their opponents from the capital enjoyed a twice as comfortable victory, beating Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2.
Previous matches: Cologne vs Union
In the last five head-to-head meetings, the Berliners have won twice and suffered one defeat.
The visitors are considered clear underdogs, but that looks like a significant underestimation. We are backing them with a "+1 goal" handicap (odds – 1.60).
Cologne vs Union: key statistics and trends
- Cologne have won one of their last six matches
- Cologne average 1.14 goals scored and 1.57 goals conceded per match
- Both teams have scored in 71% of Cologne's matches, with an average total of 2.71 goals per game
- Union are unbeaten in their last three matches
- Union average 0.86 goals scored and 2.57 goals conceded per match
- Both teams have scored in 43% of Union's matches, with an average total of 3.43 goals per game
Cologne vs Union: possible starting lineups
Cologne play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Schwäbe — Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Sosa — Skhiri, Johannesson — Maina, Mur, El Mala — Bülter
Union play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Rønnow — Haberer, van den Bosch, Uduokhai, Rothe — Schäfer, Khedira, Aouarischer — Imery, Jeong, Skarke
Follow the German Cup standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match
