FC Koln has confirmed its starting lineup for the first competitive match of the 2024/25 season in the DFB-Pokal. Timo Schultz's team faces third-division side Würzburger Kickers away from home in the first round. This match marks the official season opener for the Bundesliga side. Yahoo Sports exclusively reported the confirmed lineups for both teams.
Schultz's lineup features first-choice goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe. The back four consists of Rasmus Carstensen, Jeff Chabot, Sargis Adamyan, and Benno Schmitz. The midfield is formed by Dejan Ljubicic, Eric Martel, and Florian Kainz. The attack sees Davie Selke, Steffen Tigges, and Linton Maina start. Particular attention is on Said El Mala, who begins the game in the starting eleven.
Who is in the Würzburger Kickers lineup?
Würzburger Kickers are taking a defensively oriented approach for the cup match. Manager Michael Schiele relies on goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. The defensive line is made up of Jonas David, Felix Agu, Anthony Jung, and Mitchell Weiser. The defensive midfield operates with Julian Green, Maximilian Bauer, and Rani Khedira. In attack, Mergim Berisha, Niclas Füllkrug, and Marco Richter are the most dangerous players. The 3. Liga team has already begun its league campaign with four points from two games and aims to upset the Bundesliga club.
What is the significance of this match for FC Koln?
For FC Koln, the cup match is more than just a mandatory task. It is the first official test of the new season's formation and provides insight into the team's current condition. A confident advance to the next round is the stated goal to gather early momentum for the upcoming Bundesliga fixtures. The next challenge is already scheduled for August 29, 2026, when Koln faces 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. You can find the complete schedule on our fixtures page.
How does this reflect the current squad planning?
The lineup reflects the current squad depth of the club. With players like El Mala starting, Schultz is testing different options. The injury list is a constant factor in planning, and current information is kept updated on our injuries page. Performances in this cup match will certainly influence further personnel decisions during the ongoing transfer window. A look at the entire squad shows the breadth of the roster.
The outcome of the match will show if FC Koln can live up to its favorite status. A win would be the ideal start to a long season with many important matches. The team is now fully focused on the upcoming task in Würzburg before attention shifts back to the Bundesliga and the home game against Hoffenheim.
