DFB-Pokal | Round of 16

Dec 4, 2024 at 5pm UK

RheinEnergieStadion

FC Kolnvs.Hertha Berlin

Match preview

Even though they didn't beat 10-man Hannover at the weekend, Koln kept up their winning streak under Gerhard Struber, which is good preparation for Wednesday's Pokal match.

The five-match sequence got off to a good start with a cup win over Holstein Kiel, followed by a 3-0 second-round triumph to end a two-match losing run.

After beating a top-flight club last time out, Koln are now aiming to beat a second-tier club to make it through to the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2009-10.

The Billy Goats already beat Hertha in Berlin at the start of November and are aiming for back-to-back wins over the capital club this term.

The home side have only lost once to their visitors in the last eight games (they've won four), so they're looking to secure their fifth win in nine matches and their third consecutive victory.

Struber's team have reason to be optimistic given that the Old Lady's results haven't been great recently. Cristian Fiel's team have only won one of their last four games. They beat Magdeburg 3-1 in the Bundesliga 2 to finish November, but then lost to Wednesday's opponents and Darmstadt. They also twice lost leads against Ulm, first 1-0 and then 2-1, to draw 2-2.

Hertha's results have been pretty good recently. They won the Pokal against Bundesliga club Heidenheim (2-1), which was their third consecutive victory in all competitions. That extends their undefeated run to four.

Although the next four matches haven't gone as well as they could have, Die Alte Dame are hoping to get a good result in North Rhine-Westphalia to secure consecutive quarter-final appearances in the Pokal, having reached that stage last term.

However, they need to step up their game against Cologne. It's been two years since they beat their opponents, with the last win being a 2-0 home success in November 2022.

That win was the first in three years against the Billy Goats, and Fiel is hoping his players can step up their game to end the losing streak against Cologne.

Recent Performance

FC Koln DFB-Pokal form:WW

FC Koln form (all competitions):LWWWWD

Hertha Berlin DFB-Pokal form:WW

Hertha Berlin form (all competitions):WWLLDW

Team News

Jacob Christensen is the only player we've heard is out with a bad knee, so he'll be out for a while.

While Tim Lemperle (seven goals) and Damion Downs (six) are the top goal-scorers for the Billy Goats in the second tier, Luca Waldschmidt's two goals were crucial in beating Kiel in the previous round. The midfield player is ready to step up if the top-scoring frontmen are unable to find the back of the net.

Pascal Klemens will be assessed for Hertha after coming on as a substitute late in the capital club's recent win at Magdeburg. However, it looks like Marten Winkler (muscle) and John Brooks (ankle) won't be playing any part for Fiel's men.

Florian Niederlechner, who scored at the weekend, has two goals in the cup and is hoping to add to his tally for the away side.

Possible starting lineup

FC Koln possible starting lineup:

Schwabe; Pauli, Hubers, Heintz; Ljubicic, Martel, Huseinbasic, Paqarada; Waldschmidt; Lemperle, Downs

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:

Ernst; Kenny, Leistner, Dardai, Zeefuik; Cuisance, Demme, Sessa, Scherhant; Niederlechner, Maza