Professionals, 22. October 2020
Record against Köln
Overall: 98 matches, 34 wins, 25 draws, 39 defeats, 161:157 goal difference
In the Bundesliga: 88 matches, 29 wins, 24 draws, 35 defeats, 147:144 goal difference
Looking back
VfB have won their last three meetings with Köln in the Bundesliga, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent home meeting in October 2017.
Team news
VfB duo Wataru Endo (adductor muscle) and Gregor Kobel (back) are both doubts for Friday’s game. VfB will however definitely be without Waldemar Anton, who is not yet 100 per cent fit after his ankle ligament strain, and Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury. Erik Thommy is also still unable to take part in full team training and will not be in the squad to face Köln.
Jonas Hector and Marco Höger are missing for the visitors.
VfB eyeing first home win
After a draw and a defeat in their first two games at the Mercedes-Benz Arena this season, VfB are looking to claim their first home victory of the campaign on Friday evening.
Impressive start
The last time VfB started a season so well was in 2008/09, when they also registered seven points from their opening four league matches.
Paying the penalty
Köln have already conceded three spot-kicks in their four league encounters so far this season – more than any other team in the division.