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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
KOLN  Rensing Andrezinho, McKenna, Geromel, Eichner Roshi, Lanig, Riether, Jajalo Podolski, Novakovic | LEVERKUSEN  Leno Corluka, Schwaab, Toprak, Kadlec Reinartz, Bender Castro, Renato Augusto Derdiyok |
The big news for the hosts is that Lukas Podolski will be available for the first time in a month, having sustained an injury during his side's loss against Schalke in January. Elsewhere, however, there is a long list of missing players for Stale Solbakken to contend with.
Miso Brecko and Slawomir Peszko are both out after accumulating five yellow cards across the course of the season. Henrique Sereno has a groin problem. Kevin Pezzoni has a broken nose after a nightclub brawl, Adil Chihi has a knee ligament injury, while Petit and Ammar Jemal both have hamstring strains.
Rene Adler's chances of ever representing Bayer Leverkusen again look increasingly slim. The Germany goalkeeper remains sidelined with a long-term injury, along with Tranquillo Barnetta, while Michael Ballack is still unavailable due to a calf injury. Sidney Sam is also some time away from a comeback.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Koln have won just one of their last seven games, but have good memories of facing Bayer Leverkusen, having recorded a 4-1 win at the BayArena in September.
- In addition to their victory against their local rivals earlier this season, Koln triumphed in the corresponding fixture last season.
- Lukas Podolski (right) has scored 15 goals in just 18 Bundesliga games this season - exactly half of his team's total tally.
- Despite losing the last two encounters against Koln, Bayer Leverkusen had been unbeaten in the derby since 1997.
- Robin Dutt's men have won just twice since December 2.
- Stefan Keissling has scored three goals in his last three Bundesliga games - he had previously gone over three months without a strike.
Given Koln's imperious home record and happy recent memories against their local rivals, I'd back Stale Solbakken's men to get a vital three points in their relegation battle. Leverkusen have been on poor form in recent times, and with the RheinEnergieStadion being a formidable venue for visiting teams, it's tough to see last season's runners up coming away with three points.
Editor's Prediction
FC Koln 2-1 Leverkusen 
