?Can Cologne spark a comeback in the Rhine derby? The Billy Goats host Borussia Mönchengladbach Sunday at RheinEnergieStadion, desperate for a win. Injuries have thinned their attack, so your pick for the starting eleven matters.
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After three consecutive games without a win, Cologne are looking to get back to winning ways. A derby win could also push their rivals from the Lower Rhine even deeper into crisis and, in the process, spoil the debut of new coach Alexander Blessin.
René Wagner will have to reshuffle his defense, as starting right-back Alessio Castro-Montes is out due to a muscle injury. However, Sebastian Sebulonsen is ready to step in as his replacement.
At left-back, Borna Sosa could potentially push Gideon Mensah to the bench.
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Cologne’s frontline took a hit during a friendly versus third‑division Viktoria Köln. Thijs Dallinga suffered a cruciate tear, sidelining him for months, while Ragnar Ache bruised his thigh and will miss the derby.
Marius Bülter deserves the nod after his equaliser in the warm‑up, though Luca Waldschmidt and Imad Rondić also make strong cases. For my money, Bülter offers the sharpest edge up front.
Coach could also reshuffle, inserting Saïd El Mala or new signing Mikey Moore into the attack, a tweak that might unsettle the visitors.
Will your chosen XI deliver the breakthrough Cologne needs?