Harry Kane vs Koln - A Bundesliga Showdown of Goals and Glory

The struggles continue for FC Koln as they attempt to recapture the form that saw them defeat Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen and draw twice with RB Leipzig last season. Currently languishing in 17th place with just one win and a league-low nine goals in 11 games, Koln faces a formidable challenge this week against a rampant Bayern Munich side.


Head coach Steffen Baumgart and his players are undoubtedly hoping for a turnaround, and recent back-to-back 1-1 draws offer a glimmer of encouragement. However, the task won't be easy, especially considering the formidable record of Bayern Munich in the 2023/24 season. 

Koln finds themselves second from the bottom in the standings, a stark contrast to Bayern Munich's second-place position, just two points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Baumgart's team has struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only nine times in the league so far. The return of central midfielder Dejan Ljubicic from illness aims to strengthen the defense, with Philipp Pentke being the only confirmed absentee. 

In sharp contrast to Koln's struggles, Bayern Munich enters the fixture in impressive form, sitting second in the league. Thomas Tuchel's side is unbeaten in the Bundesliga for the 2023/24 season, boasting nine wins and two draws. Their attacking prowess is evident in the 42 goals they have scored, setting a new Bundesliga record for this stage of the season. Star striker Kane has been instrumental, contributing 17 goals and five assists, positioning himself to break records set by English players in the Bundesliga. 

The return of key players boosts Bayern Munich's chances further. Joshua Kimmich, returning from suspension, is expected to strengthen the midfield, while Leon Goretzka's recovery from a knock provides additional options. However, doubts linger over the availability of Jamal Musiala due to a hamstring complaint. 

A daunting statistic for Koln is their inability to keep a clean sheet in the Bundesliga for the last 19 games. Florian Kainz and Davie Selke lead Koln's goal-scoring charts for the 2023/24 season with three goals each. Meanwhile, Steffen Baumgart's coaching record against Bayern Munich includes six defeats and one draw. 

Harry Kane's prolific form has already seen him equal the single-season goal record for an English player in the Bundesliga, matching the tally set by Kevin Keegan (1978/79) and Jadon Sancho (2019/20). Leroy Sané, with eight goals and six assists, trails only Kane for direct goal involvements in the Bundesliga this season. 

Adding to Koln's challenges is Bayern Munich's formidable historical record. Bayern is on an 18-game unbeaten run against Koln, having won 16 and drawn two of their previous encounters.