- Union Berlin have won one of the last two meetings, drawing the other one (Bundesliga 2025/26).
- Union's Bundesliga 2026/2027 home record reads one win, two draws and one defeat from four matches.
- Köln are still without a win away in Bundesliga 2026/2027 after three away games.
A close, tactical encounter at Alte Foersterei
In a Bundesliga 2026-2027 season that has seen 1. FC Union Berlin sit 17th with six points from seven games, every point matters in the battle to avoid the drop. Die Eisernen will be hoping to build on their two-game draw streak in this weekend's clash with 1. FC Koln, who are 11th in the Bundesliga 2026/2027 table with eight points from seven games. Union Berlin come into this game on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund and a 1-1 draw away at Augsburg in the Bundesliga 2026/2027. They haven't been particularly prolific in that time, and that's been reflected in their home form, which reads one win, two draws and a defeat after four matches. They score an average of 1.25 goals per home game and concede an average of 1.50 per match. Köln arrive at the Alte Foersterei. That followed a 1-0 away defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. The form book will be of little use for this game, with Union having picked up two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five matches, and Köln having picked up one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five matches.
Wagner vs Lustrinelli
Rene Wagner has his Köln side playing in a variety of shapes that can change fluidly from one phase of play to another. They have a great deal of quality on the wings and can look to counter-attack at pace in the right matchup, while they counter-press aggressively when the opportunity allows. However, they have failed to win in three straight trips to this ground in all current competitions, so there are areas for improvement.
Mauro Lustrinelli has his Union Berlin side set up in compact 4-man shapes, depending on the game plan. They play some of their best football on the counter-attack and will be looking to score quick goals here, while their pressing is sharp when they want to be. Set-piece aggression is a weapon for the hosts, and that could be the difference on Sunday.
Going with the goals
With Union Berlin and 1. FC Koln coming in at 2.54 and 2.54 respectively, the draw comes in at 3.55. That's a live-looking match in the Bundesliga, but we're going to take the goals here.
Both Teams To Score: Yes is available at 1.53, which looks like great value when you consider the numbers these sides have put out this season. Over 2.5 goals at 1.65 looks equally good, so we're taking a chance on a narrow 2-1 home win, although the draw seems a distinct possibility if the visitors can keep it tight.
