Dortmund face brave Cologne. After their defeat at Bayern, BVB are under pressure. Their 1–2 loss showed two halves – a weak first, then a stronger second that pushed the champions hard. Niko Kovac will have been pleased with the reaction, but now consistency is key. At Signal Iduna Park, only a win will do to stay near the top.
Cologne, on the other hand, arrive full of confidence. Sitting sixth after seven games, Lukas Kwasniok’s team play bold, attacking football. All eyes will be on rising star Said El Mala – will he start or again be used as a super sub? His pace and dribbling could trouble Dortmund’s defence.
Dortmund are favourites, but Cologne can play freely and without pressure. With a Champions League tie against Copenhagen midweek, BVB may not be at full energy. Expect an intense, open game decided by fine margins.
Forecast: Dortmund edge it narrowly, but Cologne remain tough opponents.