FC Koln - Bayer Leverkusen

Marius Buelter remains the focal point for FC Koeln as they prepare to host Bayer Leverkusen at RheinEnergieSTADION on 8 November 2026 for this Bundesliga matchday 9 encounter. Buelter is expected to lead the attack in a side that has shown defensive resilience recently, including a scoreless draw against Schalke 04 and a hard-fought 1-1 result with Union Berlin. While the absence of Ellyes Skhiri poses a tactical challenge in midfield, the home side will look to build on the momentum of their dominant 5-0 DFB Pokal victory over Union Berlin late last month.

Bayer Leverkusen arrive looking to steady their form following a recent 2-4 league defeat to VfB Stuttgart and a narrow midweek loss to Marseille. Despite the injury-enforced absences of Moussa Diaby and Nathan Tella, the visitors retain significant attacking quality through Patrik Schick. Leverkusen have historically enjoyed success in this fixture, winning their most recent meeting 2-1 back in April 2026.