1. FC Köln are looking to get a first home win on Saturday evening against Eintracht Braunschweig. Kick-off at the RheinEnergieSTADION is at 20:30 CEST. All you need to know ahead of the Matchday 3 clash can be found here.
Form check
1. FC Köln: Gerhard Struber got his first win as FC head coach last weekend thanks to the dramatic victory against SV Sandhausen. That followed a draw against Elversberg after the opening day defeat to Hamburger SV. Struber will be as keen as every FC fan to see a first home win notched up on Saturday evening.
Eintracht Braunschweig: As was mentioned by Struber in his pre-match press conference, Braunschweig have had plenty of good phases in their games this season. Despite the promise, the Lions have lost all three fixtures with a goal difference of 3:12. Braunschweig will be hoping to avoid a repeat of those three matches, where goals arrived in patches for the opposition. However, a spirited first 50 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt will give them hope and belief heading into Saturday’s showdown.
The managers have their say
Gerhard Struber: “Eintracht Braunschweig had a lot of moments and phases in the first three games, that they have potential and real pace. In the cup game against Eintracht Frankfurt, they barely gave up a chance in the first-half. They’re creative and can counter well. We will not be taking our opponent lightly. In every phase of the game, we have to be really focused.”
Daniel Scherning: “Köln have scored a lot of goals through set-pieces and it could have been more. It’s a real power that we’ll face in the air. The stadium will also be a factor and create another set of challenges for us. But, personally, I’m looking forward to it. It’s a game on a Saturday night and the floodlights will be on. Great atmosphere, good opposition and an interesting challenge.”
Fitness update
1. FC Köln: Eric Martel is an option again after sitting out the Pokal game in Sandhausen following his suspension. Dejan Ljubicic should be part of the fold after training this week, the same goes for Damion Downs. Otherwise, it’s the same long-term injuries that prevent Struber from having a full squad available.
Eintracht Braunschweig: Robin Krauße has broken his nose and is a major doubt for the game although Scherning refused to rule out the midfielder completely. Christian Conteh cut short training due to knee problems. Otherwise, Braunschweig have the same players available that were involved in the DFB-Pokal tie against Frankfurt.
