Confirmed lineups have been released for the Bundesliga season opener between 1. FC Köln and Hoffenheim, with both managers rewarding players who starred in midweek DFB Pokal victories.
René Wagner’s Köln side includes Said El Mala from the start, despite the 20-year-old attracting summer interest from Brentford, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Ísak Jóhannesson, who scored twice in the 2-1 cup win over Würzburger Kickers, also starts. However, summer returnee Ellyes Skhiri is limited to the bench after featuring as a 74th-minute substitute in that match.
The hosts line up as follows: Schwäbe; Castro-Montes, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Mensah; Krauß, Johannesson; Thielmann, Okon-Engstler, El Mala; Ache.
Hoffenheim Hand Debuts to Summer Arrivals
Hoffenheim coach the visitors include new signings Adam Daghim and Patrick Wimmer in their starting XI. Wimmer marked his arrival from VfL Wolfsburg with a brace in the 4-0 DFB Pokal demolition of Erzgebirge Aue, while Wouter Burger also continued his scoring form from last season in that fixture.
The visitors’ lineup features: Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Bernardo; Avdullahu, Burger; Conte, Wimmer; Daghim, Hlozek.
There is conflicting information regarding Bernardo, who is listed in the starting XI by some sources but reported as injured by others. Tim Lemperle is definitely suspended following a red card carried over from last season, while Alexander Prass is unavailable through injury.
Injury Concerns and Pre-Match Context
Köln remain without Luca Waldschmidt and Sebastian Sebulonsen, who suffered muscular and hamstring problems during pre-season. Defender Timo Hübers also remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
Both teams enter the fixture on the back of cup victories. Köln recovered from 1-0 down to defeat Würzburger Kickers, with substitute Linton Maina providing the assist for Johannesson’s winner. Hoffenheim cruised past Aue 4-0.
Speaking before the match, Wagner emphasised the importance of the occasion. “Everyone is fired up for the first home game and the full stadium. We have a chance to win on Saturday, and we’re looking forward to this,” he said.
Köln are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Hoffenheim, offering historical encouragement as they seek a winning start to the campaign.