Without a single point so far in Group H, FC Cologne host Bate Borisov knowing that it is now or never if they are to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition. However, with the Belarusian side having already defeated their German opponents just last week, it could well be a close encounter at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Champions League – RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – Thursday 2nd November – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/12 at Ladbrokes |
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FC Cologne
Bate BorisovMatch Preview
Despite having been one of the favourites to make it through to the knockout stages when the Europa League draw was made, FC Cologne have failed to make any form of impression on the tournament so far. Despite this, there is still hope for the Bundesliga side, if they can claim all three points against Bate Borisov in Germany next week. The Belarusian side performed well on their travels last time around, however a trip to Cologne will certainly test Alyaksandr Yermakovich’s men to their limits.
FC Cologne Team News & Form
FC Cologne warmed up for their upcoming Europa League match with a comfortable 3-1 DFB Cup victory over Hertha Berlin, however the fact that they sit bottom of the Bundesliga standings provides a clear indication of their performances throughout the season so far. Despite having the likes of Germans international Jonas Hector and Timo Horn, as well as veteran striker Claudio Pizarro in their ranks, Cologne have lost all three of their Europa League matches, scoring just one goal in the process. Manager Jörg Schmadtke faces some big decisions surrounding his starting line-up, with many fans hoping that the club prioritise their domestic encounters coming up.
Bate Borisov Team News & Form
A single goal from Aleksey Rios was enough to give the Belarusian champions a win over FC Cologne in front of their home supporters last time around, with manager Alyaksandr Yermakovich hoping to come up with a strategy to give his side a chance of repeating the trick in Germany next week. Despite not having any star names within their ranks, Bate have proved themselves to be a force in Europe over recent years, whether it be in the Champions League or Europa League. Despite not being a regular starter these days, striker Vitali Rodionov has over 100 goals for Bate to his name and could well be the main attacking threat for the visiting team next week in Germany.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Belarus, where Bate narrowly came out on top by a goal to nil, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. As a result, few conclusions can be made ahead of the reverse fixture.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result between the two clubs last week, it perhaps comes as a surprise that it is Bate Borisov who are the underdogs for victory in Germany. The reigning Belarusian champions can be backed at appealing odds of 13/4 at Ladbrokes, while the home side are the favourites at 5/6.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on the Bate Borisov or Draw market found at Ladbrokes, with odds of 11/10 available on this appealing market.