Can Bayer Leverkusen Return to Winning Ways Against Köln?Prediction | November 8, 2026
Köln will host Bayer Leverkusen on November 8 in the ninth round of the Bundesliga. Both sides have experienced difficulties in recent weeks, with Leverkusen losing three of their last four matches across all competitions. However, the visitors have a strong historical record against Köln, while the hosts have yet to lose at home in the league this season.
Köln
Köln have shown some encouraging performances recently, although their league results have become less convincing. They have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions, but have gone three consecutive Bundesliga games without a victory.
In their latest league fixture, Köln drew 1-1 with Union Berlin. They had previously beaten the same opponent 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal to advance to the next round. Before that, they played out a goalless draw against Schalke and suffered a defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
After eight Bundesliga rounds, Köln sit 13th in the standings with two wins, three draws and three defeats. They have scored nine goals and conceded 12. Köln have recorded 118 shots on target and scored nine goals this season. They average 53% possession and have completed 85.5% of their open-play passes. Their 766 successful tackles and 164 aerial duels won also demonstrate their defensive activity.
Their home performances have been considerably stronger. Köln have recorded two wins and two draws in four Bundesliga matches at their own stadium, remaining unbeaten on home soil this season.
However, their record against Leverkusen at home is less encouraging. Köln have gone five consecutive home meetings without beating their neighbours, suffering four defeats and recording one draw. Their last three home encounters against Leverkusen all ended in defeats.
- Possible Köln lineup: Schwabe, Sebulonsen, Schmied, Simpson-Pusey, Sosa, Maina, Okon-Engstler, Krauss, Johannesson, Bulter, El Mala.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen are also going through a difficult spell, having lost three of their last four matches across all competitions. During the week, they suffered their first Europa League defeat of the campaign, losing 1-0 at home to Marseille.
Their Bundesliga form has also deteriorated. Leverkusen have lost their last two league matches, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Hoffenheim before losing 2-0 to Stuttgart.
After eight rounds, Leverkusen occupy sixth place with four wins, one draw and three defeats. They have scored 18 goals and conceded 16, collecting 13 points and sitting five points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
Their away record has been less convincing, with one win, one draw and two defeats in four matches. Nevertheless, Leverkusen remain one of the more productive attacking sides in the competition, even though their defensive performances have been inconsistent.
Their league statistics underline their attacking strength. Leverkusen have scored 18 goals from 146 shots on target. They have also registered 112 open-play crosses and completed 86.5% of their open-play passes. Their 55% average possession is slightly higher than Köln's 53%.
- Possible Bayer Leverkusen lineup: Flekken, Quansah, Tapsoba, Medina, Gutierrez, Fernandez, Garcia, Vazquez, Maza, Moreira, Schick.
Head-to-Head
Leverkusen have dominated the recent meetings between these sides, winning seven of the last 10 encounters, compared with two victories for Köln and one draw. The visitors have won their last five head-to-head matches, while Köln have conceded in seven consecutive meetings. Five of the last seven encounters have also produced over 2.5 goals.
Key Trends
- Köln are unbeaten in their last 4 home Bundesliga matches.
- Köln have suffered just 1 defeat in their last 5 matches across all competitions.
- Leverkusen have lost 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Leverkusen have conceded in 4 consecutive matches.
- In 6 of Leverkusen's last 8 matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- Leverkusen have won their last 5 meetings with Köln.
- Köln have conceded in 7 consecutive head-to-head matches.
- In 5 of the last 7 meetings have seen over 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Köln have been difficult to beat at home this season, and their unbeaten record at their own stadium gives them reasons to approach this fixture with confidence. Leverkusen have struggled defensively, but their attacking numbers remain impressive. They have scored twice as many league goals as Köln and have created considerably more opportunities in front of goal. Both teams have defensive issues to address, while Leverkusen's recent matches and the history of this fixture point towards the possibility of an open contest. Köln's home performances could make the match competitive, but the visitors have enough attacking quality to contribute to a high-scoring encounter. Recommended Bet: Over 3 Total Goals
