Cologne vs Schalke Predictions

• Both teams scored in four of the last six H2H encounters.
• Cologne look to bounce back after their DFB Pokal first round exit.
• Schalke return to the top-flight looking to prove a point on opening day.

Can Cologne continue to punch above their weight?

Last season was a monumental success for Cologne, who registered their first top-half finish in the top flight since 2016/17. However, they were embarrassed by Jahn Regensburg in the DFB Pokal opening round, a result which has sewn seeds of doubt amongst fans ahead of this important campaign.

Cologne did at least score twice in that cup game though, suggesting that it may not be the forward line that is the issue. Combine that with the Billy Goats’ current eight-game unbeaten run against Schalke and the bounce back may surprise few.

Schalke return with a vengeance

Unlike their hosts, Schalke put in a five star performance as they won 5-0 in their opening DFB Pokal match, surely a brilliant confidence booster ahead of this Bundesliga curtain raiser.

After a season spent in the second-tier, Schalke are now a different side than that which flopped out of the top flight in shocking circumstances back in 2019/20 and the fact that no side stopped them from scoring since October 2021 suggests that they will be a handful for Cologne.

We’re backing both teams to score in this clash, albeit with a smaller stakes selection on a 1-1 draw as two sides who may well struggle this term could get their first point on the board.

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