Cologne vs. Rostock: Who will stop Viktoria's negative streak?

Cologne vs. Rostock: Who will stop Viktoria's negative streak?

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, FC Viktoria Köln will face a crucial duel in the 3rd league at the Sportpark Höhenberg. The Cologne team will meet FC Hansa Rostock from 4:30 p.m. While the hosts are currently in 9th place with 17 points, Rostock are in 14th place in the table with 14 points. This encounter promises to be an exciting duel, as both teams are under pressure to collect points.

Viktoria Köln unfortunately suffered defeats in the last two games, most recently against Rot-Weiß Essen with a 0-1 defeat. The mood at Hansa Rostock is completely different: after a 3-0 win against Wehen Wiesbaden, the team radiates new self-confidence. Historically, Rostock has clearly won the last five matches against Cologne with three wins, but Cologne's last win was a while ago - in August 2024 they were defeated by Rostock 0-3.

Injury update and tactics

The personnel situation is tense for both teams. Jonas Dirkner returned from injury for Rostock, while Adrien Lebeau is working on his return. Pledl (torn cruciate ligament) and Popp (syndesmosis injury) are definitely missing from Cologne. Rostock is struggling with defensive problems and cannot field four defenders: Wallner, Gebuhr, Lanius and Brzozowski are injured. Cologne's defense has conceded four goals in its last five league games, which indicates unstable defensive performances.

In the last five games, Cologne have also impressed offensively and scored in four of five games. They are aggressive on offense, while Rostock's defense has proven to be vulnerable, despite their recent successes. Betting providers see the Cologne home side at a slight disadvantage, despite Viktoria Cologne's home advantage.

Statistics and betting tips

There are some promising tips for betting fans. The main tip is: “Both teams score” with odds of around 1.9. For anyone who wants to bet on a high-scoring game, it is worth taking a look at “Over 2.5 goals” (odds approx. 2.0). The form shows that at least two goals have always been scored in the last five direct duels.

The history between the two teams also gives reason to hope for an exciting game: in the last five encounters there have always been at least two goals scored, and four of the last games even had over 2.5 goals. This could mean that the spectators can expect a fireworks display of hits.

Marian Wilhelm will send the Cologne team onto the field in a 3-4-2-1 system, while Daniel Brinkmann has trained the Rostock team in a 4-3-3 system. The encounter could bring interesting tactical approaches on both sides that will shape the game. It remains to be seen whether the home team will finally get back on the road to success or whether Rostock will continue its series against Cologne.

The fans are excited for this duel, and it remains to be seen whether Viktoria Köln can get their defensive problems under control or whether the Rostock team can play with new energy.

For further details and insights into the current 3rd league statistics, please take a look Footystats, while Bild.de and kicker.de report comprehensively about the upcoming match.