Tactics
Steffen Baumgart favours a 4-1-3-2 formation but tends to tinker with his system depending on how the game is going. Köln’s offensive pressing in particular has come on leaps and bounds under Baumgart, with the Billy Goats allowing their opponents just 8.6 passes per defensive action – the fewest in the league along with Leipzig.
Absentees
Eintracht are still without Sebastian Rode, who remains sidelined after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Christopher Lenz and Martin Pecar are also injured, while Jesper Lindström is a doubt.
Köln, meanwhile, are expected to have to make do without Jannes Horn, Georg Strauch and Tim Lemperle.
One to watch: Anthony Modeste
Anthony Modeste has been the key protagonist in Köln’s impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in five Bundesliga appearances. The 6 ft 2 centre-forward has already doubled his overall top-flight tally since his return to Köln in November 2018.
Statistics
Köln have made their best start to a Bundesliga season since the 2016/17 campaign, picking up eight points from their five games so far.
‘Effzeh’ have racked up 100 crosses so far this term, more than any other team in the top flight. Frankfurt are second in that particular category with 84.
The visitors have scored a league-high four goals from headers this season. They have also hit the woodwork on four occasions – more than any other club in the league.
Previous meetings
The two teams have faced each other 108 times, with Köln registering 40 wins to Eintracht’s 38. There have also been 30 draws between the two clubs.
