Hertha Berlin vs. Cologne: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Hertha have blown hot and cold most of this season so far, but went into the winter break in high spirits after beating Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on Matchday 17. Indeed, that result means they are now on a five-game unbeaten run at home (W3, D2), so they will approach this game full of vigour. Currently sitting in 11th place, Tayfun Korkut's men are well aware they are not safe yet though, with just five points separating them from Bielefeld in 17th. Central midfield duo Santiago Ascacibar and Lucas Tousart are likely both unavailable. Up front, Stevan Jovetic is a doubt with a calf injury. Meanwhile, Piatek has completed his loan move to Italy, with Ishak Belfodil also unavailable. That presents a chance to Davie Selke to stake a claim.

Whoever the home side opt to play in attack, Cologne will be confident in their own ability to hit the target - thanks in large part to Modeste's renaissance this season. The 33-year-old has scored 11 times already in 2021/22, most recently a late strike to secure a 1-0 win over VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 17. Unbeaten in their last three away games, the Billy Goats have looked increasingly impressive under Steffen Baumgart and are just two points off a top-six place. With virtually a full squad to choose from, Baumgart will be keen to see his players but in another good display to earn what would be just a second away win this term. The biggest debate for him was whether first-choice goalkeeper Timo Horn comes straight back in after injury, or able deputy Marvin Schwäbe gets to continue. The coach confirmed on Friday that the latter will get the nod for the next three games at least.

Watch: Analysing the revitalised Modeste

Match stats

Hertha are four points better off (21) than at the same stage last season.

Marco Richter is enjoying his highest-scoring Bundesliga campaign to date with five goals.

The Old Lady have won 14 of their 21 points this term at home (66.7 per cent).

Modeste has scored 55 goals in 120 Bundesliga games for Cologne, including 11 strikes this season. It took Billy Goats legend Lukas Podolski 139 games to reach the same tally.

Only Robert Lewandowski (76) has had more shots on goal than Modeste (64) so far this term.

Cologne have scored nine times in the final 15 minutes of their games this season.

Probable line-ups

Hertha: Schwolow - Pekarik, Stark (c), Torunarigha, Mittelstädt - Richter, Darida, Serdar, Ekkelenkamp - Selke, Maolida

Out: Belfodil (not included), Boyata (fitness), Bjorkan (not included), Gechter (not included), Jarstein (knee), Jovetic (calf), Zeefuik (fitness)

Doubtful: Ascacibar (not included), Plattenhardt (illness), Tousart (not included)

Coach: Tayfun Korkut

Cologne: Schwäbe - Schmitz, Kilian, Hübers, Hector (c) - Özcan - Ljubicic, Duda, Kainz - Modeste, Uth

Out: Köbbing (knee), Skhiri (Africa Cup of Nations), Strauch (illness)

Doubtful: Andersson (match fitness), Mere (illness)

Coach: Steffen Baumgart