Borussia Dortmund vs. Cologne: Predicted Lineups, Match Statistics, and Live Blog!

missed out on due to goal difference in the 2022/23 season, Borussia Dortmund is set to make a determined statement as they face Cologne in their season opener on Saturday (kick-off: 6.30pm CEST).

Dortmund was in a commanding position as they entered the final day of the previous season, but a 2-2 draw at home against Mainz combined with Bayern Munich’s dramatic triumph in Cologne dashed their hopes of securing their first Bundesliga title since 2012. Although key figure Jude Bellingham departed for Real Madrid during the summer transfer period, there seems to be no lingering setbacks in their pre-season preparations. Edin Terzic’s squad secured victories against Manchester United and Ajax, and held Chelsea to a draw. They continued their form by defeating fifth-tier Schott Mainz in the DFB Cup first round. The new signings, including Ramy Bensebaini and Marcel Sabitzer, have seamlessly integrated into the team, while Felix Nmecha impressed alongside the new club captain Emre Can. While Marco Reus made way, he may still feature due to Karim Adeyemi’s absence. Notably, Sebastien Haller and Donyell Malen, who played crucial roles in the 2022/23 season’s closing stages, will strive to carry forward their impressive performances after scoring in the cup.

Cologne concluded their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win against Nantes from Ligue 1, and they needed extra time to overcome Bundesliga 2’s Osnabrück in the cup on Monday. The departure of Jonas Hector due to retirement represents a significant change in the squad that secured an 11th-place finish last season. Additionally, influential midfielder Ellyes Skhiri transferred to Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt. To fill the gap at left-back left by Hector, Leart Paqarada was acquired from St. Pauli in Bundesliga 2, and midfielder Florian Kainz assumed the captain’s role. Another notable newcomer is seven-time Germany international forward Luca Waldschmidt. As the season begins, Dejan Ljubicic and Linton Maina’s availability remains uncertain, while Steffen Tigges is confirmed to be unavailable, potentially allowing Davie Selke to lead the attack once again.

Additional Insights:

Last season, Julian Brandt, Haller, and Malen were the top scorers for Dortmund, each netting nine Bundesliga goals.
Dortmund boasts an impressive record of being unbeaten in 19 competitive home games since their 3-2 loss to Werder Bremen on Bundesliga Matchday 3 of the 2022/23 season.
BVB has suffered only one defeat in their last 19 Bundesliga matches, which was a 4-2 setback against Bayern on April 1, 2023.
Beyond Skhiri, who netted seven goals, Kainz emerged as Cologne’s second-highest scorer in the 2022/23 season, contributing six goals.
Paqarada’s recent history includes recording 10 assists in each of his last two seasons in Bundesliga 2.
In encounters away to Dortmund, Cologne has managed just seven victories out of 47 Bundesliga matches, enduring 13 draws and 27 losses.

By – Sahiba Suri