Köln come into this one with a point to prove after a turbulent pre-season. The €8m arrival Rav was supposed to be the defensive leader, but injuries and suspension turned his first campaign into a prolonged argument against the billing. That instability at the back is exactly what Hoffenheim will look to exploit. Köln did manage a 3-0 friendly win over Karlsruhe recently, but that was against second-tier opposition, and their competitive edge remains unproven. The DFB-Pokal trip to Würzburger Kickers on August 24 was a chance to build rhythm, but the memory of last season's inconsistency lingers.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, look sharp. Their 3-0 dismantling of Karlsruhe in a friendly showed attacking fluidity, and the squad depth is evident. The big concern is Andrej Kramarić, who is nursing a groin injury and expected to be out until the end of August — this match falls right on that timeline. But even without their talisman, Hoffenheim have the tools to hurt Köln. They are the away favourites for a reason, and the market's confidence in them is justified. Momentum and quality sit with the visitors.