FC Köln vs Bayern Munich Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Bundesliga 2025-26

The Bavarians haven’t lost to the Billy Goats in their last five attempts.

FC Köln are all set to battle it out against Bayern Munich for their matchweek 17 contest of the 2025-26 Bundesliga. The RheinEnergieStadion is set to host an intriguing clash between these two sides.

The Billy Goats will be at home for their upcoming league game, but it is not going to make things any easier for them. Having won only four of their first 16 league games in the ongoing campaign, FC Köln are placed 11th on the league table. Even though they will be at home for their next game, they will be under pressure.

Bayern Munich are still undefeated in the Bundesliga this season and will be looking to extend their run now. They are sitting comfortably at the top of the points table at the moment. The Bavarians are likely to control the game from the start and will be full of confidence despite being away from home.

Kick-off:

• Location: Cologne, Germany
• Stadium: RheinEnergieStadion
• Date: Thursday, January 15
• Kick-off Time: 01:00 a.m. IST (Wednesday, Jan 14; 07:30 p.m. GMT/ 02:30 p.m. ET/ 11:30 a.m. PT)
• Referee: Patrick Ittrich
• VAR: In use

Form:

Koln: D-L-L-W-D

Bayern: W-D-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Said El Mala (FC Koln)

The 19-year-old has been one of the most consistent players for FC Koln this season. In 16 Bundesliga appearances this season, Said El Mala has scored seven goals and has two assists to his name. He will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side both in the midfield and the attacking front.

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Michael Olise is coming in after scoring a brace in the previous league game against Wolfsburg. It was a top performance by the Frenchman. He will be ready to help his side in the attacking front once again and is going to be a constant threat to the opponents. Olise will be on the right flank, causing issues for the hosts.

Match Facts

• FC Koln have only won one of their last five games.
• Bayern Munich have won four of their last five matches.
• The Billy Goats have failed to secure a win against the Bavarians in their last five attempts.

FC Cologne vs Bayern Munich: Betting Tips and Odds

• Bayern Munich to win @2/7 Ladbrokes
• Harry Kane to score @16/25 Virgin Bet
• Goals over 3.5 @8/11 BetMGM

Injury and Team News

FC Koln will be without the services of Dominique Heintz, Joel Schmied, Luca Killian and Timo Hubers. They are injured. Rav van den Berg is suspended.

Jamal Musiala, Sacha Boey, Min-Jae Kim and Alphonso Davies are not going to be in action for Bayern Munich. They are not match fit. Joshua Kimmich is back in training but will likely miss this match.

Joshua Kimmich arbeitet im dichten Schneetreiben an seinem Comeback 💪 pic.twitter.com/C2Ixiwow5F

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) January 12, 2026

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 107

FC Koln won: 24

Bayern Munich won: 59

Draws: 24

Predicted Lineups

FC Koln predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Schwäbe (GK); Sebulonsen, Martel, Simpson-Pusey; Thielmann, Krauss, El Mala, Castro-Montes; Schenten, Ache, Kaminski

Bayern Munich predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Neuer (GK); Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Olise, Karl, Diaz; Kane

Match Prediction

The hosts are going to be under pressure and the Bavarians will surely use this to their advantage. Bayern Munich are likely to secure a win against FC Koln in their upcoming Bundesliga clash.

Prediction: Cologne 0-4 Bayern

Telecast Details

India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports, BBC, Amazon 

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: StarTimes, Canal+

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