1. FC Köln
Paul Okon-Engstler is out through injury for Köln's home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, having made two starts in central midfield across the last four matches before this setback. The hosts sit 13th on four points after that run.
There is also expected to be a change at right-back, where Sebastian Sebulonsen should come in for Alessio Castro-Montes, who had started every league game there this season. Marius Bülter is set to return to the starting eleven after featuring mainly as a substitute of late, with just one start in the last four matches and a nine-minute appearance against Hamburger SV. Tom Krauß has started all four matches in central midfield, being withdrawn in the 90th minute three times and in the 81st once.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Tim Kleindienst’s muscular discomfort makes the centre-forward choice uncertain, with Isac Lidberg the alternative after starting against Mainz 05. Kleindienst left training as a precaution on 6 October, with no tear, but his availability remains unclear. Ko Itakura is still expected to start, although an ankle problem sustained on international duty leaves him uncertain for the match after starting all four recent games.
The right-back position is also open between Daiki Hashioka and Joseph Scally, who have each started there once in the last four matches. Jan Leszczyński is expected to retain his place after making his first start against Mainz 05. Kevin Stöger and Florian Neuhaus are the alternatives in central midfield, with Neuhaus having scored during his first start in that match.
