Another edition of the Rhine derby will take place at Rhein Energie Stadion this Sunday, when FC Köln hosts an up and coming Bayer Leverkusen team. The hosts will try to do a double over Die Werkself, a team they defeated back in November with a 2-1 score, but the recent performances by both teams suggest that it won't be that easy for Peter Stöger's side to accomplish.
Die Geißböcke get to this derby in shaky form, having won only one of their most recent seven games. Being seven points away from the relegation zone should be a matter of concern for the white-and-red side, and winning a second game this season against Bayer Leverkusen could give them a much-needed ego boost to steer them to safety.
Bayer Leverkusen struggled during the last months due to huge amount of injuries, and even though some of their key performers are still recovering, Roger Schmidt's crew has bounced back in the league's standings and now they have the chance to end this week with a Champions League spot for next season. A fourth straight win for Bayer combined with a loss or draw by Borussia Moenchengladbach could see them return to the Bundesliga's top four spots.
Köln could have up to three absences for Sunday's match, as Milos Jojic and Frederik Sorensen are doubts due to injury, while Mergim Mavraj could make it back in time after recovering from a virus he picked up earlier this week.
For Die Werkself, Roger Schmidt will have to get ready for this game without six players, including Omer Toprak , Kyriakos Papadopoulos and midfielder Kevin Kampl. The good news for the away team will be provided by Stefan Kiessling and Lars Bender, as both were confirmed by their manager during the pre-match press conference.
Head to head
This will be the 58th match between these teams since 1979, and Bayer Leverkusen has made the most out of their meetings with 21 wins and 22 draws. The red-and-black side has walked out of Köln's house unharmed in their last two visits, winning one and drawing another. This season, Köln defeated Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena with a 2-1 score.
Where to watch Köln vs Bayer Leverkusen on TV or online?
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In Germany: Sky Go Deutschland, TeleClub Sport Live, Sky Bundesliga 1/HD and Sport1.FM at 17:30 hrs CEST.
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In the U.K.: BT Sport Live Streaming and BT Sport 1 at 16:30 hrs BST.
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In the U.S.: Fox Deportes, Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO USA & Fox Sports 2 USA at 11:30 hrs EST.
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In Canada : SportsNet World Now at 08:30 hrs PDT.
Live elsewhere? Check out the Köln vs Bayer Leverkusen match page for detailed info to watch this game in your country.
*Please note that all live games, TV Schedules and online streaming info are subject to change.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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