Sabasports Match Preview
German 2.Bundesliga: FC Cologne vs Hamburger SV
Kickoff Time: 2023-08-03 02:30(HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
As a long-standing club in Germany, FC Cologne has won the Bundesliga title three times in its history and has also won the DFB Cup four times. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, this traditional team has started experiencing relegation and promotion. It is worth mentioning that Cologne was handed a ban for two transfer windows by FIFA due to irregular player signings last season, which means they are unable to strengthen their squad through any signings in this summer transfer window. This is undoubtedly a major blow for Cologne, who has already been relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. However, in the summer, Cologne hired former Red Bull Salzburg coach Gerhard Struber as their new head coach. Under his guidance, Cologne achieved an unbeaten record of four wins and one draw in their recent five friendly matches. The team seems to be in good form.
Since being relegated in the 2018/19 season, Hamburg SV has spent six seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, consistently failing to secure promotion and delivering disappointing performances overall. However, this summer, Hamburg has shown a different level of activity. They have retained the main lineup from last season while making several new signings. As of now, Hamburg has brought in five new players, strengthening the overall squad. In their recent five friendly matches, Hamburg achieved three wins, one draw, and one loss, demonstrating impressive form and team cohesion. In response, Hamburg head coach Steffen Baumgart stated, “My goal is very clear, which is to lead the club back to the Bundesliga.”
Although Cologne competed in the Bundesliga last season, their overall strength has decreased significantly due to the transfer ban and the departure of key players. On the other hand, Hamburg has made several signings in the summer, visibly improving the team’s overall strength. Therefore, in comparison to Cologne, Hamburg has an advantage. Additionally, Hamburg has a favorable history in head-to-head matches against Cologne. Considering these factors, it is reasonable to expect Hamburg to come out victorious in the season opener.
FC Cologne’s Last 5 Games: WWDWW
24-07-27 Udinese 2-3 FC Cologne
24-07-24 FC Cologne 2-1 Swansea City
24-07-20 Viktoria Cologne 3-3 FC Cologne
24-07-20 FC Cologne 3-0 St. Truiden
24-07-13 FC Cologne 3-1 Kickers Offenbach
Hamburger SV’s Last 5 Games: DLWWW
24-07-25 Hamburger SV 0-0 Aris Limassol
24-07-21 Hamburger SV 0-3 Cardiff City
24-07-20 Hamburger SV 4-2 Nantes
24-07-13 VfB Lubeck 2-5 Hamburger SV
24-07-13 Hamburger SV 5-1 SV Drochtersen
Head To Head Record:
23-01-07 FC Cologne 4-0 Hamburger SV
22-01-19 FC Cologne 0-0 Hamburger SV (PEN 3-4)
19-04-16 FC Cologne 1-1 Hamburger SV
18-11-06 Hamburger SV 1-0 FC Cologne
18-01-21 Hamburger SV 0-2 FC Cologne
Prediction: Hamburger SV to win or Draw