Cologne vs Monchengladbach
Bundesliga
Sunday
22nd October 2023
RheinEnergieStadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga gameweek 8 fixture between Cologne and Monchengladbach.
Cologne vs Monchengladbach: Preview
Cologne form analysis
FC Cologne’s recent Bundesliga results show a team lacking consistency under new coach Steffen Baumgart. They started fairly well by earning a 1-1 draw away at Frankfurt, scoring early through a Kainz penalty. But defensive issues were apparent in a 1-3 home loss to Hoffenheim, despite Selke pulling one back late on. Cologne got back on track with a 2-1 home win over Werder Bremen thanks to goals from Borré and Njinmah. However, inconsistency returned as they lost 0-2 at home to Stuttgart, with summer signing Undav scoring both goals against his old club. Most recently, Cologne were comfortably beaten 0-3 away at local rivals Leverkusen.
Overall, Cologne have struggled to build momentum over this spell. Baumgart has added more attacking threat through the likes of Ljubicic and Adamyan, but defensive lapses have undermined them. They need much more consistency in their play and results going forward. The talent is there to succeed but Cologne must start translating it into sustained runs of form.
Monchengladbach form analysis
Borussia Mönchengladbach have shown signs of improvement after a difficult start under new coach Daniel Farke, but inconsistency remains. They began with a respectable 1-2 loss to Bayern after taking the lead through Itakura. A thrilling 3-3 draw away at Darmstadt followed, as goals from Siebatcheu, Neuhaus and Čvančara earned them a point after going down 0-3. Gladbach then suffered a narrow 0-1 home loss to Leipzig, with Werner scoring the winner. They returned to form by beating struggling Bochum 1-3 away thanks to a Neuhaus strike and Pléa brace. However, their momentum stalled again as they were held 2-2 at home by Mainz, needing a late Scally equalizer.
Overall, Gladbach have shown they can trouble teams going forward with new signings like Pléa impressing. But defensively they remain prone to lapses. Gerardo Seoane has added steel in midfield with the likes of Neuhaus, but needs to improve defensive organization. If Gladbach can add consistency to match their attacking threat, a push for Europe is possible under Seoane. But they must convert draws into wins and build sustained momentum.
