FC Köln vs Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga Team News, Preview

Borussia Dortmund will hope for a straightforward win as they go up against the struggling FC Köln this weekend.

We are at the half-way mark of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, and things have certainly not gone according to plan so far for Borussia Dortmund. But they managed to return to winning ways last weekend against Darmstadt, with Jadon Sancho celebrating his comeback with an assist.

The forward could be in line for a spot in the starting XI this weekend as he looks to inch closer towards full fitness after spending so long on the sidelines at Manchester United. Youssoufa Moukoko will also be pushing to play from the start following his impressive cameo against Darmstadt.

Borussia Dortmund will once again be without the injured Karim Adeyemi, Julian Ryerson, and Felix Nmecha. While Ramy Bensebaini and Sebastien Haller are both away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Mats Hummels is also a doubt after missing the win over Darmstadt due to illness. Marco Reus is also dealing with an illness at the moment.

FC Köln have endured a very difficult season so far, and are currently 17th in the Bundesliga standings. Following Steffen Baumgart's exit during the winter break, they appointed Timo Schultz as head coach.

Köln were held to a 1-1 draw by Heidenheim last weekend, and face a tough fight to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. The Billy Goats were very unlucky to lose to Borussia Dortmund in the reverse fixture, as they were let down by their inability to make the most of their chances.

Köln have managed to score just 11 goals so far this season. And to make matters worse, they will have to make do without Davie Selke, Mark Uth and Luca Waldschmidt this weekend. Former Borussia Dortmund striker Steffen Tigges could start up front on Saturday. Captain Florian Kainz will have a key role to play for his side.

FC Köln vs Borussia Dortmund: Expected Starting XIs

FC Köln: Schwäbe - Carstensen, Hübers, Chabot, Finkgräfe - Martel, Huseinbašić - Maina, Kainz, Thielmann - Tigges

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel - Meunier, Can, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen - Özcan, Sabitzer, Brandt - Malen, Bynoe-Gittens, Füllkrug