Bayern Munich looks to rebound from a 2-1 defeat vs Borussia Monchengladbach as they hit the road to face FC Koln.
Koln aren’t to be underestimated, as they’ve won three consecutive matches and are just two points outside of the top four. It’s an excellent match and Bayern are currently listed as -285 favorites by the latest soccer lines.
- Game: 1. FC Köln vs FC Bayern Munich
- Location: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany
- Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 15th, 9:30 a.m. ET
| Team | Goal Line | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
| Koln | +1½ (+100) | +650 | 3½ (-125o) | ½ -230o/+180u |
| Bayern Munich | -1½ (-120) | -285 | 3½ (+105u) | 2½ -130o/+100u |
| Draw | +475 |
Koln vs Bayern Munich Betting Preview
Koln vs Bayern Head-to-Head
Bayern Munich defeated Koln back in August by a scoreline of 3-2 as Serge Gnabry scored a brace. This has been a one-sided fixture for betting online in recent years. Bayern have defeated FC Koln in eight consecutive meetings, and haven’t lost in this fixture since 2011.
Bayern Dealing With Countless Absences
Bayern Munich asked for their match vs Borussia Monchengladbach to be postponed, but it was played as scheduled.
Even with eight positive tests among their ranks, Bayern were heavy favorites vs Gladbach. Missing GK Manuel Neuer, LB Alphonso Davies, CB Dayot Upamecano, midfielder Corentin Tolisso and wingers Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman ended up being too much of an impediment.
Gladbach defeated Bayern, 2-1, for their second win over the Bavarians this season, in all competitions. As is custom, Robert Lewandowski got on the scoresheet for Bayern, but that was it.
When Bayern are healthy, they’re one of the best soccer picks around, but that seems to be a ways away. Backups Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr are away at the African Cup of Nations, hurting squad depth during a crucial period. Meanwhile, midfielder Leon Goretzka is still out with a hip issue and RB Josip Stanisic remains out.
In sum, don’t expect the Bayern Munich we’re used to seeing, even if the players out with COVID recover in time.
Koln Look to Extend Win Streak
Manager Steffen Baumgart has done an excellent job turning a relegation contender into a European contender. Koln finished 16th last season, staying in the Bundesliga by winning the relegation playoff.
Now, they’re just two points outside of a Champions League berth with the Bundesliga’s longest active winning streak at three.
Koln managed an impressive 3-1 road win at Hertha to begin the new year. Striker Anthony Modeste got on the scoresheet again, carrying over his great form to 2022. Modeste has 12 goals already, nearly half of Koln’s 30 goals this season.
Aside from Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri taking part in AFCON and CB Rafael Czichos transferring to Chicago Fire, Koln’s squad is available and healthy.
They’ve lost just once since November, hitting their stride at the right time. Almost no one was picking Koln to make the UCL at the beginning of the season, but they’re capable of a top-four challenge.
Koln vs Bayern Prediction
Koln are underpriced at +650 in the sportsbook, and we’re not sure we’d take them to win. They’ve lost only once at home this season, however, so it should be a close match.
They gave Bayern Munich a run for their money in August, and they should be able to cover the 1½-goal spread here, especially since Bayern figures to be shorthanded again.
