Form: Going through a sticky patch
Without a win in 13 Bundesliga games and without a point from the opening three fixtures of this season – it’s not been an easy time for this famous club and its supporters. “We still have 31 games to go,” said midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj in an interview ahead of the match against Eintracht. “The Bundesliga is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re not panicking, but rather continuing to concentrate on our work.”
Tactics: Still in discovery phase
Coach Markus Gisdol favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, although he experimented with a 3-5-2 system against Borussia Mönchengladbach on the last matchday. With new signings such as Ondrej Duda, Sebastian Andersson and Marius Wolf, the team still need to bed in. It’s likely that the Billy Goats will revert to a back four against Eintracht, although captain Jonas Hector won’t be part of it as he has a spinal injury.
One to watch: Timo Horn
The goalkeeper is part of the furniture at Köln and has been through many highs and lows with ‘FC’. The current situation has not been an easy one for him in particular, as he’s been uncharacteristically uncertain in the opening games.
Having first joined the club in 2008, Horn has racked up 157 appearances in the top flight as well as 98 in Bundesliga 2. During that time, the 27-year-old has experienced two relegations and two promotions. Horn has always been knocking on the door of the national team and has been a standout performer for Köln through his strong performances and loyalty to the club.
