Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs FC Köln: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs FC Köln in the Bundesliga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs FC Köln

• Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025

• Kick-off: 17:30 GMT

• Venue: BayArena

Bayer 04 Leverkusen's recent form suggests a team capable of high-scoring victories but also vulnerable to losses against strong opposition. Their predicted 3-4-2-1 formation, with attacking talents like Martin Terrier and Patrik Schick, indicates a strategy focused on exploiting FC Köln's defensive frailties. However, their recent losses, particularly the heavy defeat to Bayern München, highlight potential weaknesses that Köln could exploit.

FC Köln, on the other hand, have shown resilience with draws against St. Pauli and Werder Bremen, but their recent losses indicate struggles against more formidable teams. Their 3-4-3 setup, with players like Jakub Kamiński and Jan Thielmann, suggests an approach that could challenge Leverkusen's midfield but may struggle to contain their potent attack. The head-to-head record leans towards Leverkusen, but Köln's unpredictability could make for a competitive match.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen's recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Their victories, including a 6-0 thrashing of Heidenheim and a 3-1 win against Wolfsburg, showcase their potential for high-scoring games. However, losses to Augsburg, Dortmund, and Bayern München suggest vulnerabilities that could impact their confidence and performance in upcoming fixtures.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs FC Augsburg (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Borussia Dortmund (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs VfL Wolfsburg (A)
• Win: 6-0 vs Heidenheim (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs FC Bayern München (A)

FC Köln have displayed a mixed bag of results, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games. Their ability to secure draws against St. Pauli and Werder Bremen indicates a level of resilience, but losses to Frankfurt and Mönchengladbach highlight their struggles against stronger teams. This form suggests a team that can be competitive but may struggle against top-tier opposition.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs St. Pauli (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Werder Bremen (A)
• Loss: 3-4 vs Eintracht Frankfurt (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hamburger SV (H)

The head-to-head record between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Köln shows a competitive rivalry, with Leverkusen winning three of the last five encounters. Köln secured a victory at Leverkusen in May 2023, but the overall trend favours Leverkusen, who have won in their previous two away games against Köln. This pattern suggests Leverkusen's dominance, but Köln's recent home win indicates they can be a challenging opponent.

Recent Bundesliga Results

• FC Köln 0-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (03 Mar 2024)

• Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-0 FC Köln (08 Oct 2023)

• Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-2 FC Köln (05 May 2023)

• FC Köln 1-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (09 Nov 2022)

• Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-1 FC Köln (13 Mar 2022)

• Equi Fernandez (Knee) - Out

• Exequiel Palacios (Groin) - Out

• Janis Blaswich (Muscle) - Out

• Lucas Vazquez (Muscle) - Out

• Axel Tape (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Luca Kilian (Cruciate ligament) - Out

• Malek El Mala (Muscle) - Out

• Joel Schmied (Thigh) - Out

• Dominique Heintz (Hamstring) - Out

• Timo Hubers (Knee) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Flekken (GK), Badé (DF), Andrich (DF), Tapsoba (DF), Hofmann (MF), García (MF), Maza (MF), Poku (MF), Tillman (AT), Terrier (AT), Schick (AT)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen's predicted 3-4-2-1 formation will likely see a strong defensive line anchored by Loïc Badé, Robert Andrich, and Edmond Tapsoba, providing stability at the back. In attack, the combination of Martin Terrier and Patrik Schick, supported by creative midfielders like Jonas Hofmann and Aleix García, should pose a significant threat to FC Köln's defence.

• Predicted lineup: Schwäbe (GK), Martel (DF), Sebulonsen (DF), Van den Berg (DF), Thielmann (MF), Krauß (MF), Huseinbasic (MF), Kamiński (MF), Waldschmidt (AT), El Mala (AT), Bülter (AT)

FC Köln's predicted 3-4-3 formation will rely on the defensive trio of Eric Martel, Sebastian Sebulonsen, and Rav van den Berg to contain Leverkusen's attack. The midfield quartet, including Jakub Kamiński and Jan Thielmann, will need to work tirelessly to disrupt Leverkusen's rhythm and support the attacking trio of Luca Waldschmidt, Said El Mala, and Marius Bülter.

• Terrier vs Sebulonsen: Martin Terrier's pace and finishing will test Sebastian Sebulonsen's defensive capabilities.

• Maza vs Krauß: Ibrahim Maza's control in midfield will be crucial against Tom Krauß's tenacity and defensive abilities.

• Hofmann (Bayer 04 Leverkusen): Jonas Hofmann's creativity and goal-scoring threat make him a pivotal player for Leverkusen.

• Kamiński (FC Köln): Jakub Kamiński's ability to influence the game from midfield will be key for Köln's chances.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs FC Köln at 17:30 GMT on Saturday, 13 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Football.

Bwin is predicting that the score will be Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-1 FC Köln.

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