18:22
The top game is led by Harm Osmers. He was allowed to referee the Rhine derby seven years ago. At that time, Lucas Alario saw the red card and Cologne won 2-0. The 35-year-old Hanoverian is assisted by linesmen Dominik Schaal and Nikolai Kimmeyer.
18:13
The teams are playing their 91st direct duel today. The Werkself hold the advantage on the right side of the Rhine. Leverkusen celebrated 37 victories, while Cologne can only counter them with 23 victories. Most recently, Bayer 04 wrested a victory from the Billy Goats in the cup. In February of this year, Patrik Schick equalized a 2-0 deficit against the then second division team with a brace before Victor Boniface sealed progression in extra time.
6:06 p.m
Almost at the last second, “Effzeh” gave up a win against FC St. Pauli last week. However, the basic game system was very good. In addition, there were no injuries or suspensions, which is why Łukasz Kwasniok decided not to make any changes to the starting line-up. He sends the same team onto the field that looked reasonable against Hamburg.
5:57 p.m
Despite a short break, Kasper Hjulmand only changes to two positions. Jonas Hofmann has recently been able to play regularly in the league, but today he surprisingly replaces Álex Grimaldo, who has been missing from the English squad after many weeks – Arthur is likely to move to the left side. Patrik Schick is missing due to an ankle injury and will be replaced by Christian Kofane.
5:48 p.m
1. FC Köln are still relatively far from pressure – almost exactly five points, if you want to express it in numbers. The feeling in the cathedral city is also good, but the truth is that Cologne only got one win from their last eight competitive games. There hasn’t been a single complete success in the last four games, so Łukasz Kwasniok’s team has to be careful not to get too deep into the threatening relegation vortex.
5:39 p.m
Bayer Leverkusen is coming to the end of a difficult Advent season. There is only one win from the last four games. The last two games in the league were lost. At least, you could say, because you are still in the cup and have at least got one point in the Champions League. However, a league win is now needed again so that we are not under too much pressure against Leipzig on the last matchday before Christmas.
5:31 p.m
The Lineups for this game are already available.
5:31 p.m
Last weekend’s North Derby is followed by the Rhine Derby! Bayer Leverkusen welcomes 1. FC Köln for the top game at 6:30 p.m. Welcome!