Bundesliga 2025-2026: Bayer Leverkusen-Cologne, the likely lineups

Bayer Leverkusen and Cologne face off Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the BayArena in a match valid for the 14th round of the Bundesliga. A Rhineland derby in full swing, in which the hosts want to win to cement their run toward the Champions League after recent defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg. The guests, on the other hand, have picked up just two points in their last four matches and aim to put behind them the win’abstinence from victory that has lasted since Nov. 2.

Tillmann, Poku and Schick will be the three strikers for Hjulmand’s Bayer Leverkusen, who relies on Maza and Garcia in midfield, with Hofmann on the right and Grimaldo on the left. Defensive trio composed of Andrich, Badé and Tapsoba, protecting Flekken’s goal.

Same tactical choice for Kwasniok’s Cologne, in turn fielding a trident: the guests’ offensive department will be entrusted to Mala, Thielmann, Kaminski. In midfield, however, Lund will act on the right, with Sebulonsen on the opposite lane and the Martel-Johannensson pair at the heart of the maneuver. Between the posts Schwabe, in front of whom Heintz, Hubers and van den Berg will play.

Bayer Leverkusen-Cologne, the likely lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3): Flekken; Andrich, Badé, Tapsoba; Hofmann, Maza, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillmann, Poku, Schick. Coach: Hjulmand
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Cologne (3-4-3): Schwabe; Heintz, Hubers, van den Berg; Lund, Martel, Johannensson, Sebulonsen; Mala, Thielmann, Kaminski. Coach: Kwasniok.

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