Augsburg vs Köln: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 27 February 2026
One of the fixtures of Bundesliga’s Matchday 24 will take place on Friday at the WWK Arena in Augsburg, where the local side Augsburg will host Köln. This clash of table neighbors promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the round—despite different recent trajectories, both teams are fighting for similar objectives. I suggest a bet on goals in this encounter.
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Match preview
Augsburg come into this game riding a wave of momentum. The team has put together an impressive stretch – just one defeat in their last seven matches, including a headline-grabbing win over Bayern Munich (2-1), and in the previous round, they snatched a dramatic comeback victory over Wolfsburg (3-2) in the dying moments. This surge has allowed the Fuggerstädter to build an eight-point cushion above the drop zone and solidify their place in the top ten.
However, defensive frailties remain a concern. Even during this successful run, Augsburg conceded four goals to Borussia Mönchengladbach, as well as two apiece against Mainz and that same Wolfsburg. On the attacking end, however, Michael Gregoritsch has added firepower, quickly settling in after his loan from Brøndby, while Keven Schlotterbeck is enjoying one of his best spells of the season – his contribution was decisive in the narrow win over Heidenheim (1-0).
Köln have been dealt a brutal fixture list: since the turn of the year, the Billy Goats have faced four top-five Bundesliga sides. Eight points from eight matches in 2026 is far from a disaster, but it’s not the pace that inspires confidence. Still, Lukas Kwasniok’s team has held together: they notched a win over Wolfsburg (1-0) and battled to an entertaining draw with Hoffenheim (2-2) last time out.
Defensive absences – Tilmann, Sebulonsen, and Castro-Montes – complicate rotation, especially away from home, where Köln have been inconsistent. In 12 away matches this season, they've managed just three wins, and outside the RheinEnergieStadion, they regularly drop points even against teams at their own level. However, the resurgence of the Ache–El Mala–Kaminski attacking trio brings optimism: if they find their rhythm again, the hosts’ backline could be in for a tough night.
Probable lineups
- Augsburg: Damen, Czesiger, Schlotterbeck, Banks, Giannoulis, Massengo, Jakic, Fellhauer, Claude-Maurice, Kömür, Ribeiro.
- Köln: Schwäbe, Schmid, Rav van den Berg, Özkaçar, Simpson-Pusey, Martel, Krauss, Lunn, Kaminski, El Mala, Ache.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have found the net in each of their last six head-to-head meetings.
- Köln are unbeaten in their last five visits to Augsburg.
- Augsburg have conceded more goals than any Bundesliga side bar the bottom four defensive teams.
Prediction
Augsburg currently look like the more cohesive and emotionally charged side, but their systemic defensive issues remain unresolved. Köln know how to dig in and make life difficult for even the favorites, and they traditionally feel comfortable at the WWK Arena. A scenario with end-to-end action and goals at both ends looks most likely here.
