Who will lead the attack in the derby? Pick Cologne’s starting XI now!

1. FC Cologne are preparing to host rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Rhine derby at the RheinEnergieStadion, seeking to end a three-match winless run. However, the Billy Goats face significant attacking selection issues ahead of the derby clash following multiple injuries suffered during an international break friendly against Viktoria Köln.

Striker Thijs Dallinga faces months sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while Ragnar Ache is ruled out due to a thigh issue. Marius Bülter, Luca Waldschmidt, Imad Rondić, Saïd El Mala, and Mikey Moore are in contention to lead the forward line, alongside defensive adjustments under René Wagner.