The DFB Pokal quarter-finals bring an exciting clash at the BayArena, where defending champions Bayer Leverkusen take on Cologne in a knockout match. At the end of the 90 minutes, only one team will advance to the semi-finals. On paper, there seems to be little doubt about the outcome, given the significant difference between the two teams. Last season, while Bayer Leverkusen stormed to the Bundesliga title, Cologne suffered relegation to Bundesliga 2. Months later, Xabi Alonso's side is not replicating last season’s dominance in the Bundesliga, partly due to their Champions League commitments and the impressive form of Bayern Munich. Despite this, Leverkusen sits second in the league and comfortably advanced to the Champions League Round of 16, finishing sixth in the overall standings with 16 points. Cologne, on the other hand, is living up to expectations in Bundesliga 2, leading the table with 37 points after 20 matches, firmly in the race for promotion.

Bayer Leverkusen's shape and key statistics

Bayer Leverkusen enters this clash after a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. In their last five matches, they have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss, averaging 2.2 goals per game. At home, Leverkusen is in outstanding form, winning their last nine matches and remaining unbeaten in their last 15 at the BayArena.

As defending champions of the DFB Pokal, Leverkusen has won all three of their cup matches so far, scoring 1.67 goals per game and keeping a perfect defensive record with zero goals conceded. They are unbeaten in their last nine DFB Pokal games and have won the last four in a row.

Cologne's shape and key statistics

Cologne secured a 2-1 victory away at Eintracht Braunschweig in their last match. Their DFB Pokal journey has seen them eliminate SV Sandhausen, Holstein Kiel, and Hertha Berlin, averaging 2 goals scored and 1 conceded per match.

Struber’s team is in excellent form, winning four of their last five matches, with their only loss in the last 12 games. A key player to watch is Damion Downs, who has scored eight goals this season.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Cologne Prediction and Tactical Overview

Bayer Leverkusen is the clear favorite for this DFB Pokal quarter-final, given the significant quality gap between the two sides. Despite facing a well-organized Cologne defense, the hosts should have no trouble finding the net, especially if Xabi Alonso fields his strongest lineup.

Cologne, despite their strong performances in Bundesliga 2, is unlikely to trouble Leverkusen’s defensive line. A comfortable victory for Bayer Leverkusen is expected, with the home side likely to score more of two goals.

• The BetMines prediction for the Bayer Leverkusen - Cologne match predicts Over 2.5 goals at 64%
• The BetMines prediction for the Bayer Leverkusen - Cologne match predicts Under 2.5 goals at 36%

Bayer Leverkusen vs Cologne Predicted Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Kovar; Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick. Coach: Xabi Alonso

Cologne (3-4-1-2): Schwäbe; Hübers, Schmied, Heintz; Gazibegovic, Ljubicic, Martel, Paqarada; Kainz; Downs, Tigges. Coach: Gerhard Struber