FC Koln will attempt to extend their unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season when they head to the Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening for the clash with RB Leipzig.

Ole Werner’s introduction to Bundesliga life as RB Leipzig manager could not have been harsher as his team prepares to take on FC Koln. His first assignment in the 2025/26 season ended in humiliation, with Bayern Munich running riot in a crushing 6-0 defeat. It was a sobering reminder of the gulf between the champions and a side still trying to rediscover its identity.

Since that nightmare debut, however, Werner has begun to restore stability. A controlled 2-0 victory over Heidenheim was followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win at Mainz 05, giving Leipzig six points from their opening three matches. More importantly, those back-to-back clean sheets have steadied confidence within the camp.

With no European distractions this term, Die Roten Bullen are in a rare position to channel all of their energy into the league. After a disappointing seventh-place finish last season, Leipzig know this campaign presents an opportunity to recalibrate their ambitions. Having dismantled Koln in both league meetings last season. by emphatic 6-0 and 5-1 margins, they will fancy their chances of building further momentum.

Koln, though, arrive in Leipzig with belief of their own. Newly promoted and led by Lukas Kwasniok, who took the reins over the summer, the Billy Goats have surprised many with their fast start. They opened their campaign with a narrow but gritty 1-0 win away at FSV Mainz 05 before shocking Freiburg with a stunning 4-1 triumph.

Their unbeaten streak stretched into last weekend in dramatic fashion. Facing defeat at VfL Wolfsburg, Koln produced a spirited late fightback, scoring twice in stoppage time to snatch a thrilling 3-3 draw. That resilience not only preserved their unbeaten record but also underlined the fighting spirit Kwasniok has instilled.

Last year’s second-tier champions have transitioned seamlessly into the Bundesliga, showing far more composure and attacking verve than many expected. Originally tipped to focus solely on survival, Koln now look capable of setting their sights higher, provided they can sustain this early form. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig will once again have to make do without Amadou Haidara against FC Koln, as the midfielder continues to recover from a knee injury that has sidelined him since the 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich back in May. Benjamin Henrichs is also unavailable due to an Achilles tendon problem, with his return expected no earlier than October.

The situation worsened last weekend when Antonio Nusa and Xaver Schlager both sustained knocks during the victory over Mainz, leaving manager Ole Werner short of options in midfield and attack heading into this contest. Their absence will be felt, given their recent contributions to Leipzig’s stability in the league.

As for the tactical setup for RB Leipzig, Werner is expected to line his side up in a 4-3-3 formation against FC Koln. Peter Gulacsi will retain his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Ridle Baku at right-back, Willi Orban and Castello Lukeba forming the central defensive pairing, and David Raum operating from the left.

In midfield, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Nicolas Seiwald, and Christoph Baumgartner will be tasked with controlling the tempo and supporting both phases of play. Up front, Johan Bakayoko is likely to take up the right-wing role, while Romulo will start on the opposite flank, and Yan Diomande is set to lead the line as the central striker for RB Leipzig against FC Koln.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Banzuzi, Seiwald, Baumgartner; Bakayoko, Romulo, Diomande

1.FC Koln

Koln will travel to Leipzig without defender Luca Kilian, who remains sidelined with a serious knee injury that is expected to rule him out for the entire season. The absence of Kilian has been a significant blow to the Billy Goats’ defensive stability.

In addition, summer signing Rav van den Berg is unavailable after suffering a shoulder problem. The 21-year-old Dutch defender, who arrived from Middlesbrough, had begun to integrate well into the squad but will now be forced to sit out this weekend’s clash.

Lukas Kwasniok is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Marvin Schwabe will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Sebastian Sebulonsen on the right, Timo Hubers and Joel Schmied at centre-back, and Kristoffer Lund on the left.

The double pivot in midfield will see Isak Johannesson partner Eric Martel, tasked with breaking up play and linking the defence with the attack. Further forward, Jan Thielmann is expected to take up the right-wing role, while Luca Waldschmidt will operate centrally as the attacking midfielder, with Jakub Kaminski providing width from the left. In attack, Marius Bulter is set to lead the line as the lone striker.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Schwabe; Sebulonsen, Schmied, Hubers, Lund; Johannesson, Martel; Thielmann, Waldschmidt, Kaminski; Bulter

Key Stats

• RB Leipzig have lost only two of their 14 Bundesliga encounters with 1. FC Koln (W7 D5). Their last meeting at the Red Bull Arena ended in a dominant 6-0 victory for Leipzig in October 2023.

• RB Leipzig remain unbeaten in all 36 of their Bundesliga fixtures against newly promoted teams (W31 D5) – the longest such streak in Bundesliga history. The only blemish came in April when they were held 1-1 at home by Holstein Kiel, ending a run of nine consecutive home wins over promoted sides.

• With seven points from their first three matches, Koln are enjoying their best Bundesliga start since the 2016/17 campaign, when they also collected seven points and eventually qualified for the UEFA Europa League. Their tally of eight goals across the first three matches is their second-best in history, bettered only in 1977/78.

• RB Leipzig have registered back-to-back Bundesliga wins without conceding, their first such run of 2024. If they manage a third successive clean sheet this weekend, it would mark the first time in club history they have achieved such a streak in the Bundesliga.

• Jakub Kaminski scored the latest goal in Bundesliga history since detailed data began in 2004/05, netting after the 100th minute against VfL Wolfsburg. Koln have already scored more stoppage-time goals this season (five) than they did across the entire previous campaign (three).

Player to Watch

Johan Bakayoko

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All eyes will be on Johan Bakayoko this weekend as RB Leipzig look to extend their winning run. The Belgian winger has quickly become one of the most exciting attacking outlets in Ole Werner’s side, thanks to his explosive pace, sharp dribbling, and ability to create chances from wide areas.

With injuries limiting Leipzig’s options in the final third, Bakayoko’s direct style will be crucial in stretching Köln’s defensive line and providing service to Yan Diomande up front. His knack for beating full-backs in one-on-one situations could prove decisive, particularly against a Koln side that has shown vulnerability when defending transitions.

If Leipzig are to maintain their upward momentum, Bakayoko’s influence on the right flank could very well be the difference-maker.

Prediction

RB Leipzig 2-1 FC Koln

Both teams head into this clash with confidence, but the balance of quality and depth tilts heavily in RB Leipzig’s favour. Ole Werner’s men have recovered well from their early setback against Bayern Munich and, with home advantage, will be expected to dictate proceedings. Their defensive solidity in recent matches, coupled with the attacking spark provided by Johan Bakayoko, makes them strong favourites.

Koln, however, cannot be underestimated. Lukas Kwasniok’s side have shown resilience and attacking flair, particularly in their thrilling comeback at Wolfsburg. Their unbeaten start to the season proves they can cause problems, though injuries at the back could expose them against Leipzig’s fluid frontline.

Expect a competitive match, but Leipzig’s superior firepower and recent clean-sheet form should see them through. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Ole Werner and his charges.