FC Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tips (3 March)

Far from being at the party this season in the Bundesliga, Cologne risks experiencing major disappointment in the spring by being relegated to the 2nd division. Because 11 days from the end of this exercise, FCK is only in 16th position, synonymous with play-offs. Worse still, he is 8 units behind the first non-relegation place. Still weighed down by their recurring offensive problems, the Boucs have won only one of their last 10 championship matches. It was against Frankfurt, a month ago 2-0.

Since then, they have been held to a draw at Hoffenheim 1-1, beaten by Werder Bremen 0-1 and hung by Stuttgart, last week 1-1. Conversely, Bayer Leverkusen could finally break the terrible glass ceiling to which he always faced by winning the first title in its history in the Bundesliga. Author of an incredible season so far, the 11 de l'Usine has still not lost in all competitions and is well at the top of the ranking with a fairly considerable lead of 8 points over its first pursuer. Still successful, Xabi Alonso's men won their last 4 league matches against Darmstadt 0-2, Bayern Munich 3-0, Heidenheim 1-2 and Mainz 2-1 last weekend.

For the Boucs, the little used Uth and the striker Waldschmidt will not be able to appear in the group. Also in the infirmary are top scorer Selke (5 goals) and young striker Downs. On the other hand, captain Kainz (3 goals) should be able to hold his place in the 11 in the same way as the solid midfielder Martel who unlocked his counter during the trip to Stuttgart last week. On the Bayer side, the defender replacing Arthur and the formidable scorer Boniface (10 goals, 7 assists decisive in the Bundesliga) must still be patient in the infirmary at the moment.

In the recovery phase, the Argentine midfielder Palacios (3 goals, 3 assists) is hoped for this trip but he remains uncertain. On the other hand, Xabi Alonso should count on all of his strong men starting with the full-backs Grimaldo (8 goals, 8 assists), and Frimpong (7 goals, 6 assists), midfielders Hofmann (5 goals, 5 assists) and Wirtz (5 goals, 10 assists) or the Nigerian Tella (4 goals, 1 assist).