FC Koln v Werder Bremen

FC Koln vs Werder Bremen Preview

Despite picking up a useful point away from home at Hoffenheim with a 1-1 draw in last weekend's action in the Bundesliga, Friday night's hosts, FC Koln, still remain third from bottom in the German top flight table and therefore occupy the relegation play-off spot, while Werder Bremen's promising seven-match unbeaten sequence in the Bundesliga came to an end following a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Heidenheim.

Following a dismal recent run of five games without a win and slipping to three defeats in the process by way of losses incurred against the likes of Freiburg, Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, FC Koln have made a slow but steady recovery in subsequent weeks as the hosts are now unbeaten in their last three games overall.

Points picked up in draws with Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim, both in 1-1 stalemates, along with a welcome 2-0 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt will give FC Koln a much needed boost ahead of Friday night's clash against Werder Bremen and the hosts may well need this as Timo Schultz's side have managed to capture just a measly three wins all season.

Goals may be in short supply though for this upcoming encounter as no fewer than nine of FC Koln's last 10 games overall in the Bundesliga have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

Werder Bremen's recent three-match winning streak was brought to an end by a 2-1 loss at home to Heidenheim but nevertheless, the visitors put together a solid seven-game unbeaten run beforehand in the German top flight which consisted of four wins and three draws so Ole Werner's side will still feel confident about their chances here at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Previous wins against Augsburg, Bayern Munich, Freiburg and Mainz will also serve as a boost for Werder Bremen especially the 1-0 win away at Bayern Munich which has been part of the rebuilding process away from home after making a disastrous start on the road in this Bundesliga season.

Werder Bremen were handed five defeats in their opening six outings on the road with defeats incurred at Freiburg, Heidenheim, Darmstadt, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart but the visitors have since tightened things up at the back as they have put together a stubborn looking four-match unbeaten sequence on their travels which includes wins on the road at Bayern Munich and Mainz.

Again, goals could be a scarce commodity in this encounter as six of Werder Bremen's last 10 away games have also produced two goals or less.

FC Koln v Werder Bremen Verdict

Previous history shows prior encounters between these two teams have generally produced low-scoring affairs with six of the last nine meetings resulting in Under 2.5 goals.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.90

Other side bets worth considering:

Werder Bremen win @ 2.90

Correct Score: Werder Bremen 1-0 @ 9.50