Hertha Berlin vs. Cologne: Probable line-ups and match stats

Midtable Hertha Berlin will be out to end a run of five home games without a win when they host bottom club Cologne in the German capital on Saturday (kick-off 03:30 PM CEST/ 01:30 PM GMT/ 09:30 AM EST).

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Hertha conceded twice in the final 15 minutes to lose 2-1 at Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend, so they will be keen to boost their bid for a top-half finish by chalking up what would be only their fifth home win of the campaign. Vedad Ibisevic has a good record against Cologne so will expect a return to the starting line-up, while Mathew Leckie is also an option after recovering from a neck problem.

Cologne dropped to last place when their 1-1 draw with Mainz on Matchday 29 was coupled with Hamburg’s 3-2 win over Schalke. Six points behind Mainz and the relegation play-off place, time is running out for the Billy Goats, but they will take confidence from the fact that they won in Berlin in the DFB Cup earlier this season. Salih Özcan is suspended this week and Marcel Risse is doubtful again, but goalkeeper Timo Horn is expected to be fit despite having to train individually earlier this week.

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Probable line-ups

Hertha: Jarstein – Weiser, Stark, Rekik, Plattenhardt – Lustenberger, Meier – Lazaro, Darida, Kalou – Ibisevic (c)Absentees: Klinsmann (shoulder), Mittelstädt (hip)Coach: Pal Dardai

Cologne: T. Horn – Klünter, Mere, Heintz, Hector – Höger, Koziello, Clemens – Osako, Bittencourt - TeroddeAbsentees: J. Horn (flu), Maroh (stomach bug), Queiros (back), Guirassy (ankle)Coach: Stefan Ruthenbeck

Match stats

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