Front runners Dortmund to push on against Koln

FC Koln host last seasons’ runners-up in their first home match back in the Bundesliga having been crowned champions of Bundesliga 2 last term. Borussia Dortmund are currently first-placed having destroyed Augsburg 5-1 at Signal Iduna Park on the opening day, though they come into this one as favourites Lucien Favre’s side will not have it all their own way. Reigning champions Bayern Munich slipped up in their opener, therefore the Black and Yellows will hope to continue as early front runners just as they did in the competitive title race of 2018/19.

Recent statistics

Koln have won two, drawn one and lost once in their last four clashes with Dortmund at RheinEnergieSTADION, however they have failed to win seven of their last eight opening Bundesliga home games. BVB are traditionally strong on the road in the opening exchanges of a campaign, they are unbeaten in all but one of their last seven beginning away trips and have only conceding one first half goal across those matches. Dortmund were a goal to nil or more to the good in their last three league away encounters, however in form striker Simon Terodde will look to change that, he had a great 2018/19 scoring 29 Bundesliga 2 goals.

Dortmund’s marquee signatures

Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen is a great coup, a skillful winger who has proven himself as a threat in the division consistently. Coming off the bench to net a debut goal against Augsburg, Brandt is a special talent to cover the injuries that have plagued Marco Reus’ career and Dortmund’s power in attack in turn. 42 goals and 51 assists in a 215-game spell with Leverkusen shows Brandt is well equipped for this step up, still just 23 years old he has a lot to offer this season. Favre managed to add some crucial experience to a young backline by bringing World Cup winner Mats Hummels back to the club from Bayern Munich, in the hope his presence can bring on the precocious stars they have in the likes of Dan-Axel Zagadou and Manuel Akanji. They also managed to tie down former loanee Paco Alcacer on a permanent deal from Barcelona, the striker bagged 23 goals in 35 appearances last term and got a brace last time out in the match with Augsburg. Finally, Thorgan Hazard has come in from Borussia Moenchengladbach with a great reputation, the Belgian international will bolster their squad to perform better in all competitions.

Lucien Favre’s free scoring Dortmund side will have too much for newly promoted Koln and could send a message to the rest of the league in continuing their extremely strong away form.

Koln – Dortmund Betting Tip

Borussia Dortmund to Win + Over 1.5 goals with Bethard at odds of 69/100.

Bet Borussia Dortmund to Win + Over 1.5 goals on Bethard