VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Köln: Predictions, Odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin’s detailed preview for VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Köln in the Bundesliga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:30 BST match.

• Fixture: VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Köln

• Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025

• Kick-off: 14:30 BST

• Venue: Volkswagen Arena

Match Prediction: VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 FC Köln

Wolfsburg's recent form suggests a team finding its rhythm, with a solid win away at Heidenheim and a resilient draw against Mainz at home. Their ability to score on the road and hold firm defensively at home could be crucial against Köln, who showed offensive prowess in their last Bundesliga outing. 

Expect Wolfsburg to leverage their balanced approach, focusing on quick transitions and capitalising on the spaces left by Köln's attacking forays.

Köln, on the other hand, have been in fine scoring form, particularly at home, as evidenced by their 4-1 thrashing of Freiburg. Their ability to secure a narrow victory away at Mainz indicates a team capable of grinding out results. 

However, facing a Wolfsburg side that has shown resilience and tactical discipline, Köln might find it challenging to maintain their high-scoring trend. The match could hinge on Köln's ability to break down Wolfsburg's structured defence.

Wolfsburg's recent performances indicate a team playing with confidence, with a convincing win against Heidenheim and a hard-fought draw against Mainz. Their ability to score three goals away from home against Heidenheim showcases their offensive potential, while the draw against Mainz highlights their defensive solidity. This form suggests Wolfsburg could approach the game against Köln with a balanced strategy, aiming to control the tempo and capitalise on counter-attacks.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs FSV Mainz 05 (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Heidenheim (A)

Köln's recent victories, including a dominant home win against Freiburg and a gritty away win at Mainz, demonstrate a team in good form. Their ability to score four goals against Freiburg at home indicates a potent attack, while the narrow victory at Mainz shows they can secure points on the road. However, facing a Wolfsburg side that has shown promise, Köln may need to adapt their approach to break down a more structured defence.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Win: 4-1 vs SC Freiburg (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs FSV Mainz 05 (A)

Historically, VfL Wolfsburg have had the upper hand in recent encounters with FC Köln, winning three of the last five matches. The most recent clash ended in a draw, but Wolfsburg's consistent victories in the previous meetings suggest they have a slight edge in this fixture.

Recent Bundesliga Results

• VfL Wolfsburg 1-1 FC Köln (27 Jan 2024)

• FC Köln 1-2 VfL Wolfsburg (26 Aug 2023)

• FC Köln 0-2 VfL Wolfsburg (25 Feb 2023)

• VfL Wolfsburg 2-4 FC Köln (03 Sep 2022)

• FC Köln 0-1 VfL Wolfsburg (07 May 2022)

• Denis Vavro (Groin) - Out

• Andreas Skov Olsen (Knee) - Out

• Mattias Svanberg (Suspended) - Out

• Kevin Paredes (Ankle) - Doubt

• Rogerio (Muscle) - Doubt

• Jesper Lindstrøm (Groin) - Doubt

• Luca Kilian  (Cruciate Ligament) - Out

• Florian Kainz (Ankle) - Out

• Ragnar Ache (Hip) - Doubt

• Linton Maina (Knee) - Doubt

• Grabara, Fischer, Jenz, Koulierakis, Zehnter, Arnold, Souza, Olsen, Majer, Wimmer, Pejcinovic

Wolfsburg's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while utilising the pace and creativity of Majer and Wimmer in attack. Jenz and Koulierakis have the task of marshalling the team's defensive set-up.

• Schwäbe, Sebulonsen, Berg, Hübers, Lund, Martel, Huseinbasic, Thielmann, Jóhannesson, Bülter, Kaminski

Köln's predicted lineup indicates a reliance on their attacking quartet of Thielmann, Bülter, Jóhannesson, and Kaminski to create scoring opportunities. The absence of Kilian could impact their defensive stability, requiring adjustments in their backline.

• Lovro Majer vs. Eric Martel: Majer's creativity will be put to the test against Martel's defensive discipline.

• Patrick Wimmer vs Jan Thielmann: Wimmer's pace and finishing will face a stern challenge from Thielmann's defensive work rate.

• Maximilian Arnold (VfL Wolfsburg): Arnold's midfield control and set-piece delivery will be crucial for Wolfsburg's strategy.

• Marius Bülter (FC Köln): Bülter's goal-scoring threat and ability to create chances will be key for Köln's attack.

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