FC Koln v Hamburg

FC Koln vs Hamburg Preview

It's been five years since FC Koln last appeared in the German 2. Bundesliga but following their automatic relegation at the end of last season's dismal Bundesliga campaign, the upcoming hosts joined bottom club Darmstadt through the trap-door and into the German second tier for this upcoming term, while Hamburg will be desperate to go one step better this time around after missing out on a top three finish at the end of last term.

FC Koln's relegation was rubber stamped after being handed a heavy 4-1 loss away from home at Heidenheim on the final day of the season but Friday night's hosts will be in quietly confident mood ahead of this season-opener against Hamburg when the two teams meet at the RheinEnergieSTADION.

A six-match unbeaten sequence during the pre-season warm-up games should give FC Koln a welcome boost as they prepare to climb back up into the German top flight at the first time of asking this term and having won five of these six pre-season friendlies, Timo Schultz's side may just fancy their chances of a result here.

Along with a 3-3 draw with local rivals Viktoria Koln, FC Koln have racked up recent wins against Sportfreunde Siegen 6-0, Kickers Offenbach 3-1, Sint-Truiden 3-0, Swansea City 2-1 and a 3-2 win away from home at Udinese, while the goals market appeals as eight of FC Koln's last 10 games overall have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Hamburg finished last season's 2. Bundesliga campaign in fourth place and ended up five points behind third placed Fortuna Dusseldorf who secured the promotion play-off spot, but whom eventually lost out 6-5 on penalties against the Bundesliga strugglers, Bochum.

A rousing 4-1 home win against Nurnberg on the final day of last season's campaign wasn't enough for Hamburg to claim a play-off spot but the visitors have lost just once in their five pre-season friendlies prior to this new German second tier term.

Three wins on the trot against Neetze 12-0, Drochtersen/Assel 5-1 and a 5-2 victory over Lubeck have obviously produced goals for Hamburg but they then slipped to a 3-0 loss to Cardiff City, but goals also look promising for this opening fixture in the 2. Bundesliga as six of Hamburg's last 10 games overall have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

The bigger picture though perhaps hands Hamburg the slight advantage heading into Friday night's game as the visitors have lost just twice in their previous 13 outings in all competitions.

FC Koln v Hamburg Verdict

Hamburg have lost just two of the previous eight meetings against FC Koln so the visitors might just nick the points in what could be a high-scoring game.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Hamburg win @ 3.20

Correct Score: Hamburg 3-1 @ 23.00