Win or lose – this applies to none of the clubs involved in the relegation battle more than 1. FC Köln. “There’s only one gear, and that’s forward,” said an almost combative Timo Schultz on Friday ahead of “a final match in which you can play your way to another final match.”
While Jeff Chabot has overcome his thigh problem and will definitely play, Schultz will have to do without left-back Leart Paqarada and Dejan Ljubicic, who have been struggling with tonsil problems and are not fit to play, although both were able to complete parts of training again.
Except for this duo and the long-term injuries to Davie Selke and Luca Kilian, the coach can draw on a full squad. Even if, as in the case of Mark Uth, not from the start. The injury-plagued attacking all-rounder had to sit out a few sessions due to illness. Schultz: “He was on a good path, we saw that in Mainz. He’s back in training, but he’s not yet at 100 percent. It’s still a good feeling for me to know he’s on the bench. “
Kessler: “It’s the last chance “
The coach demands courage and intensity from his team, logically, there can only be three points at stake, there can be no more hesitation or procrastination. Head of licensed players Thomas Kessler spreads optimism: “The performances in the last two games in Mainz and against Freiburg make me feel positive. We played well, but were unable to win the matches. We want to change that tomorrow. It’s our last chance and we have to make the most of it. Having our fans behind us gives us extra energy. “
Cologne goalless against Union in the last four games
What Cologne should do without is a look at the statistics. Because FC are winless against both Union and Heidenheim in the Bundesliga. Worse still: FC have only picked up two points in nine matches against Union – a 2-2 draw on matchday 11 in 2021/22 and a 0-0 draw on matchday 23 in the previous season. FC have not scored a single goal against the Berliners in their last four matches
At least the visitors have a similarly pronounced allergy to scoring goals as Cologne themselves: FC have the weakest chance conversion rate (17.8%), Union the second weakest at 21.6%. And only Darmstadt, who have been relegated, created fewer chances than Union (134) and Cologne (135). Accordingly, both teams have the lowest expected goals value, followed by Darmstadt (31.8), Cologne (34.6) and Union (36.5). Put into words: Nobody should expect a goal festival on Saturday, it should be a tough affair.
