Bundesliga: Gladbach Keen to Keep Great Run Going in Rhine Derby

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Koln

Borussia Monchengladbach have been one of the most in-form sides in the Bundesliga to start 2021. The Foals are unbeaten in their first six games this year and are right in the thick Champions League race.

Gladbach will be eager to keep their unbeaten run going when they host fierce rivals FC Koln in the Rhine Derby this weekend.

Koln are once again battling for their Bundesliga lives this season. But while the Bundesliga 2021 betting odds won’t be in their favour, they always seem game to give Gladbach a good fight.

Talking Points

Gladbach going great guns in 2021

After a rough start to the season, Borussia Monchengladbach have been back to their best in the Bundesliga since the turn of the year.

The Foals are unbeaten in their first six games in 2021, with 4 wins and 2 draws. They were held to a 1-1 stalemate away to surprise package Union Berlin last time out.

But Gladbach quickly got back to winning ways by claiming a 2-1 win at Stuttgart in their midweek DFB-Pokal tie. Marcus Thuram and Alassane Plea both scored to overturn an early deficit.

The two French forwards are in fine form at the moment. Plea also scored in their draw at Union, while Thuram has scored in two of his first three outings since returning from his five-match suspension.

Gladbach coach Marco Rose finally has all of his first-choice players healthy and available, which will give him plenty of options for how he can set up his side.

Bundesliga: Alassane Plea scored in Borussia Monchengladbach's 1-2 away win vs VfB Stuttgart — Alassane Plea celebrates with his Borussia Monchengladbach teammates after scoring vs VfB Stuttgart

Captain Lars Stindl did not start in their draw at Union but is likely to return to the starting XI for the derby. Stindl has been in tremendous form this season with 9 goals and 4 assists in 19 league appearances.

Gladbach have also been in great form at home, where they’ve lost just once all season. They have won their last three games at Borussia Park, which includes big victories over both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Koln clawing their way to results

Koln are once again right in the thick of the relegation scrap this year. The Billy Goats are currently in 14th place, just one point from the relegation playoff spot. They were also knocked out of the DFB-Pokal in midweek as they fell to 2. Bundesliga side Jahn Regensburg on penalties.

However, Koln’s recent Bundesliga 2021 results have shown some signs of improvement as they have taken points from fellow relegation strugglers. They held Hertha Berlin to a draw and beat both Schalke and Arminia Bielefeld within their last four games.

Koln brought in some reinforcements during the transfer window, signing striker Emmanuel Dennis on loan and bringing in former Schalke midfielder Max Meyer.

Dennis got off the mark in their cup defeat in midweek, although he missed his penalty in the shootout. His arrival is a much-needed boost to Koln’s attack with Sebastian Andersson still out injured and Anthony Modeste also struggling with physical issues.

Koln have been significantly better away from home this season. Three of their four wins this season have been outside the RheinEnergieSTADION. That includes their shock 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in November.

History

The Rhine Derby has been a one-sided affair in recent years. Gladbach have won 12 of their last 19 matches against rivals Koln, who have won just four. Meanwhile, there have been 3 draws.

Gladbach won their first meeting this season 3-1 thanks to goals from Plea, Stefan Lainer, and Stindl. The Foals also did the double over their rivals.

But despite Gladbach’s recent success, Koln have made sure that the Rhine Derby remains closely contested. In fact, the derby has been decided by just one goal in each of the last 10 games. The last time a team won the Rhine Derby by more than one goal was Gladbach (3-0) back in 2012.

Betting Tip

	Borussia Monchengladbach vs FC Koln	Borussia Monchengladbach Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.86
	February 7, 01:30 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Gladbach installed as substantial 1.52 favourites to come out on top in the Rhine Derby, with Koln priced as 6.20 underdogs.

Gladbach look like a good bet to continue their winning ways in the derby. They’re finally healthy and their star forwards are all in fine form.

This is as good a time as any for them to pick up a comfortable win over their old foes, which is why I predict a Gladbach victory of more than a single goal this time around.