Football ; Germany : Bundesliga
Rhein Energie Stadion – Cologne
Friday, 26th February 2016 - kickoff 20:30 CET
Cologne
Cologne ended their series of three straight unbeaten games, with their last week`s narrow 1-0 away defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach. They gave solid resistance in that match, and showed a decent performance.
Cologne are currently sitting at the mid-table, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their last six Bundesliga matches. At home they have already achieved four wins so far, which is the same amount of home victories they had after the entire last season. Cologne won two of their last three home games, including one great 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Anthony Modeste has been Cologne`s top player this season, scoring ten goals so far. He scored four goals and made one goal assist in the last six matches for Cologne.
Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin are still struggling this year, failing to record a single victory since the winter break. They achieved four draws and suffered one defeat in their five games since January. Last weekend they drew 1-1 at home against Wolfsburg. In any case, Hertha Berlin are much improved side since last season. Last season they collected total of 35 points, and they already surpassed that point tally this season.
Hertha Berlin`s recent matches have all been mostly tight, with five of their last six matches ending with less than two goals scored.
Striker Salomon Kalou scored his eleventh goal of the season last week, so he is in good form. Interesting thing regarding Kalou is that he scored eight of his eleven goals at away grounds this season, which is more than any other Bundesliga player.
Interesting fact regarding Hertha Berlin is that ever since Pal Dardai took over as their head coach, they have never lost a game played on Friday evening. They won two matches and drew three times in their Friday games.
Hertha Berlin have some problems with injured and suspended players in front of this match. Defenders Sebastian Langkamp and Johannes van den Bergh, as well as strikers Julian Schieber and Sami Allagui are all out injured. Also the attacking midfielder Vladimir Darida picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend, so he is suspended for this match. Czech International Darida has been very valuable player for Hertha Berlin this season, scoring four goals and providing two goal assists so far. This will be the first time he will miss a match for Hertha Berlin this season.
The Betting Verdict
Hertha Berlin have lost just once in their last six matches against Cologne in all competitions. Hertha Berlin also have a good recent away record against Cologne, winning in five of their last six visits to Cologne.
Cologne are very tough opponents at home, but I expect Hertha Berlin to remain unbeaten in this match. Despite missing a few players, Hertha Berlin still have plenty of quality players. I expect Hertha Berlin to earn at least one point from this match.
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