1. FC Köln vs Union Berlin: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for 1. FC Köln vs Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: 1. FC Köln vs Union Berlin
• Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
• Venue: RheinEnergieStadion

1. FC Köln's recent form suggests a struggle to secure victories, with their last five matches yielding only two draws and three losses. Their predicted 3-4-3 formation might offer some attacking threat through players like Luca Waldschmidt and Ragnar Ache, but their defensive frailties could be exposed against a Union Berlin side that has shown a scoring capability, as evidenced by their recent win against RB Leipzig. Köln's home advantage might provide a slight boost, but their confidence could be low after a string of poor results.

Union Berlin have shown more promise with two wins in their last five games, including a convincing victory over RB Leipzig. Their predicted 3-4-2-1 formation, with the likes of Oliver Burke leading the attack, could exploit Köln's defensive weaknesses. However, Union Berlin's away form has been less consistent, which might temper their dominance. The match could be closely contested, but Union Berlin's recent performances suggest they might have the edge.

1. FC Köln's recent form has been disappointing, with only two draws and three losses in their last five matches. Their inability to secure a win, particularly at home against Eintracht Frankfurt and away to Borussia Mönchengladbach, indicates a lack of confidence and momentum. This poor run of results could impact their performance against Union Berlin, as they struggle to find the consistency needed to turn draws into victories.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Bayer Leverkusen (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs FC St. Pauli (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Werder Bremen (A)
• Loss: 3-4 vs Eintracht Frankfurt (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (A)

Union Berlin have shown more positive signs in their recent form, securing two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. Their convincing victory over RB Leipzig at home and a solid win against FC St. Pauli away demonstrate their capability to perform against strong opposition. This form suggests they enter the match with higher confidence and momentum, which could be crucial in their upcoming fixture against 1. FC Köln.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Win: 3-1 vs RB Leipzig (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs VfL Wolfsburg (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs 1. FC Heidenheim (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs FC St. Pauli (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Bayern München (H)

The head-to-head record between 1. FC Köln and Union Berlin shows a competitive rivalry, with Köln winning the most recent encounter 3-2 on 11 May 2024. Prior to that, Union Berlin secured a 2-0 victory on 20 December 2023, indicating their capability to dominate Köln. The earlier matches in the record show a more balanced contest, with a draw and two narrow victories for Union Berlin, suggesting that both teams have the potential to influence the outcome of their upcoming fixture.

Recent Bundesliga Results

• 1. FC Köln 3-2 Union Berlin (11 May 2024)
• Union Berlin 2-0 1. FC Köln (20 Dec 2023)
• Union Berlin 0-0 1. FC Köln (04 Mar 2023)
• 1. FC Köln 0-1 Union Berlin (11 Sep 2022)
• Union Berlin 1-0 1. FC Köln (01 Apr 2022)

• Luca Kilian (Cruciate ligament) - Out

• Joel Schmied (Thigh) - Out

• Dominique Heintz (Hamstring) - Out

• Malek El Mala (Muscle) - Doubt

• Timo Hubers (Knee) - Doubt

• Said El Mala (Muscle) - Doubt

• Andrik Markgraf (Leg) - Out

• Robert Skov (Calf) - Out

• Janik Haberer (Suspended) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Schwabe (GK), Sebulonsen (DF), Martel (DF), Van den Berg (DF), Thielmann (MF), Huseinbasic (MF), Krauss (MF), Kaminski (MF), Waldschmidt (AT), Bulter (AT), Ache (AT)

1. FC Köln's predicted 3-4-3 formation will likely see them focus on attacking through the flanks with Ragnar Ache and Mark Bulter, while relying on the midfield quartet of Jan Thielmann, Dejan Huseinbasic, Timo Krauss, and Jacob Kaminski to control the game's tempo. Defensively, the trio of Sepp van den Berg, Eric Martel, and Simon Sebulonsen will need to be solid to counter Union Berlin's threats.

• Predicted lineup: Ronnow (GK), Doekhi (DF), Querfeld (DF), Leite (DF), Trimmel (MF), Khedira (MF), Kemlein (MF), Kohn (MF), Woo-Yeong (AT), Ansah (AT), Burke (AT)

Union Berlin's predicted 3-4-2-1 formation will see them utilise a strong defensive line of Danilho Doekhi, Lucas Querfeld, and Diogo Leite, with the midfield quartet of Christopher Trimmel, Rani Khedira, Andras Schafer, and David Kohn providing both defensive stability and attacking support. Up front, Oliver Burke will be the focal point of their attack, supported by Jeong Woo-Yeong and Ibrahim Ansah, aiming to exploit any gaps in Köln's defence.

• Ache vs Querfeld: Ragnar Ache's pace and movement will be tested against Lucas Querfeld's defensive solidity.

• Krauss vs Khedira: Timo Krauss's ability to control the midfield will be crucial against the experienced campaigner.

• Huseinbasic (1. FC Köln): Dejan Huseinbasic's role in dictating the tempo and creating chances will be vital for Köln's performance.

• Burke (Union Berlin): Oliver Burke's physical presence and goal-scoring ability make him a key threat for Union Berlin.

1. FC Köln vs Union Berlin at 14:30 GMT on Saturday, 20 December 2025, isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK.

Bwin is predicting that the score will be 1. FC Köln 1-2 Union Berlin.

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