Preview: Jahn Regensburg vs. FC Koln - prediction, team news, lineups

The pair will be vying out for a spot in the second round, with Koln heavy favourites to progress into the next stage.

Match preview

Unlike some of the other Bundesliga sides in the Pokal's first round draw, Koln have been handed a tricky test away to 2. Bundesliga outfit Regensburg.

Currently top of the second division after a perfect start to the 2. Bundesliga campaign, Regensburg will be eyeing up a shock victory over top-flight Koln this weekend.

Yet to concede a goal so far this season, Regensburg saw off Darmstadt in their opening fixture, before cruising 3-0 past relegated Arminia Bielefeld last time out.

For Koln, they are yet to kick off their new campaign, but will be entering it with one eye on an upcoming European tour, having qualified for the Europa Conference League last season.

However, before they take to the continent, they first must deal with the challenge of Regensburg.

Four-time Pokal winners, Koln have a rich history in the competition, yet they have not reached the final in Berlin since 1991.

Any hopes of a rendezvous in the capital in May will depend on their performance against Regensburg, who have enjoyed Pokal victories over Koln in recent years.

Beating Koln on penalties two seasons ago, Regensburg will be keen to replicate their giant-killing when the pair meet again this weekend.

Jahn Regensburg form (all competitions):

Team News

Without any pre-season injuries to report, Koln are heading into their Pokal fixture with a clean bill of health.

Young forward Florian Dietz netted in the pre-season defeat to AC Milan and could be in line for some minutes against Regensburg.

New arrivals Steffen Tigges, Eric Martel and Luca Kilian are also in line for time on the pitch, after successful transfers from other Bundesliga clubs to Koln this summer.

Regensburg's midfield duo of Maximilian Thalhammer and Benedikt Gimber have both been in the goals so far this season and should start alongside each other in the middle of the park.

Dejan Stojanovic will start between the sticks for Regensburg, with Jan Elvedi and Steve Breitkreuz operating just in front as the centre-back partnership.

Jahn Regensburg possible starting lineup:

Stojanovic; Saller, Breitkreuz, Elvedi, Guwara; Gimber, Thalhammer; Shipnoski, Albers, Mees; Owusu

FC Koln possible starting lineup:

Schwabe; Schmitz, Hubersm Chabot, Pedersen; Uth, Skhiri; Ljubicic, Adamyan, Kainz; Modeste

We say: Jahn Regensburg 0-1 FC Koln

The bookies are rightly favoring Koln for the victory, but Regensburg's history in this competition against Koln cannot be underestimated.

Still, expect a strong Koln outfit to squeeze past the 2. Bundesliga side this weekend.

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