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

Latest

Modeste was sidelined with illness as the Billy Goats lost 1-0 to Union Berlin last time out, but the Frenchman returned to training on Wednesday, and could get the opportunity to add to his impressive 15-goal haul against Mainz. His return is particular timely given Sebastian Andersson's enforced absence. Modeste's smart finishing this term has kept Cologne in the hunt for Europe, although they go into Matchday 29 four points adrift of the top six after winning just three of their last 10 games. Goalkeeper Timo Horn should also be available after illness, although Marvin Schwäbe has emerged as Steffen Baumgart's first-choice stopper since Horn suffered a knee injury in late November. Winger Jan Thielmann and centre-back Timo Hübers are both suspended, but midfielder Ondrej Duda is back after serving a one-game ban against Union.

Mainz have had a busy week, playing out a 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday and then losing 2-1 to Augsburg in a rearranged fixture from Matchday 26 on Wednesday. With six games to go and a handsome cushion over the relegation places, the 05ers have all but guaranteed their safety - and even have a slim chance of sneaking into Europe. Luckily, during this unscheduled Englische Woche, coach Bo Svensson has a near full-strength squad to choose from, with only Jerry St. Juste and Delano Burgzorg unavailable. Top scorer Jonathan Burkhardt should lead the line as he looks to move into double figures for the season - having already netted in the 1-1 draw between these sides on Matchday 12 - while recent Germany debutant Stach will martial the midfield alongside Eintracht Frankfurt loanee Dominik Kohr.

Match stats

Modeste has one goal in 10 career meetings with Mainz, relatively speaking his worst ratio against all Bundesliga clubs he has scored against.

Jonas Hector has made 190 Bundesliga appearances to date - all for Cologne.

Cologne have only lost two of 14 home matches with Mainz in the Bundesliga (W7, D5).

Burkardt hasn't scored on the road since Matchday 10.

Stach is in the 99th percentile Bundesliga-wide for both shots attempted and interceptions made this season.

Only rock-bottom Greuther Fürth have collected fewer points on the road this season (two) than Mainz (eight).

Probable line-ups

Cologne: Schwäbe - Ehizibue, Kilian, Chabot, Hector (c) - Skhiri - Ljubicic, Duda, Kainz - Uth, Modeste

Out: Andersson (not included), Hübers (suspended), Özcan (not included), Schindler (personal reasons), Schmitz (thigh), Thielmann (suspended)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Steffen Baumgart

Mainz: Zentner - Bell, Hack, Niakhate (c) - Widmer, Stach, Kohr, Martin - Lee - Burkardt, Onisiwo

Out: Burgzorg (heart), St. Juste (shoulder)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Bo Svensson

About the clubs 1. FC Köln

RheinEnergieSTADION

1. FSV Mainz 05

MEWA ARENA

Share