Cologne vs. Bayern Munich: Key Issues That Will Shape Bundesliga Game

Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action this weekend when they make the long journey north to Cologne to face one of the league's toughest opponents this season. 

Peter Stoger's side were of course one of the promoted sides from 2. Bundesliga last season, but the Billy Goats have wasted little time acclimatising to the top division, with just one defeat in their opening five games. 

Yet, Pep Guardiola's champions will be in a confident mood following a strong 4-0 victory over Paderborn on Tuesday night that saw Bayern finally reclaim their spot at the top of the league. Despite a bumpy start to the campaign, the Bavarian giants look to have finally got themselves out of first gear. 

As such, we should expect to see a tight affair between two teams who really hope to mean business in the German top division over the next eight months. Here are the key issues that should shape up this Bundesliga clash. 

An Opportunity to Break Away from Dortmund

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Although Guardiola would argue that his side aren't focused on any one specific opponent and that he is only focused on the games ahead, there is absolutely no doubt that the Catalan coach will have one eye on Dortmund's game against Schalke on Saturday. 

Jurgen Klopp's side have been terribly inconsistent this season, but they still only sit four points off league leaders Bayern. 

If Schalke can take something from the Ruhr derby and Bayern are able to beat Cologne, then that could potentially open up a seven-point gap between the two title favourites, issuing a huge blow to Bayern's closest rivals. 

History Suggests a Tight Clash

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Despite their 2. Bundesliga status for the past couple of seasons, Cologne are undoubtedly one of the German top division's oldest sides and as such have a long, checkered past with Bayern. 

Yet, unlike other teams in the division, the Billy Goats have always tried to overcome the odds whenever Munich's biggest club comes to town. 

The last time these two sides met was back in the 2011/12 season, when Bayern overcame Cologne in both encounters, winning 4-1 in Cologne and then 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.

But when we look further back, we see a much more balanced set of results. 

In the last eight matches between these two clubs, Bayern have only walked away with all three points on three occasions, with Cologne winning two and drawing the other three games. 

Guardiola's side may be the overwhelming favourites on Saturday, but as history shows, that doesn't always mean they'll win. 

A Return to Working Tactics

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Although Bayern fans would have been overjoyed at beating Paderborn by four goals to nil on Tuesday night, what should have really impressed them was the manner in which the team managed such a feat. 

In an unexpected turn of events, Guardiola opted to return to the favoured 4-2-3-1 formation that former coach Jupp Heynckes used to bring so much success to the club. And it was blatantly obvious why this team won so much with it. 

Not only did the old guard of Philipp Lahm, Dante, Arjen Robben and Co. look much better on Tuesday but so too did both Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski—who both played under a similar formation at Dortmund. 

It would seem as though Guardiola may be on the verge of finding a winning tactic. 

Cologne's Stubborn Defence

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Having just discussed the running drought of goals that Bayern's star striker is currently experiencing, it should come with little optimism to Bayern fans that Cologne's strongest asset this year has been their back line. 

Stoger's side have managed to keep a clean sheet in four of their opening five games this season, with just one goal conceded since promotion last year. An impressive tally that even Bayern cannot compete with.

The centre-back pairing of Kevin Wimmer and Dominic Maroh will be pushed to their limits against the might of Bayern on Saturday but will undoubtedly go into the game in good spirits knowing how much they've already accomplished this season. 

The Slow Return to Form of Robert Lewandowski

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Another bonus point for Guardiola and the Bavarian club during Tuesday's win over Paderborn was Lewandowski's fantastic volley into the back of the net just 14 minutes into the first half. 

Bayern finally looked great for the first time this season, and for really the first time since pulling on the Munich colours, Lewandowski linked up with his team-mates and looked like a striker ready to thrive at the club. 

Yet with just his second goal of the season so far in five games over all competitions, Lewandowski has a long way to go before he can rest easy at the front of Bayern's attacking line. Cologne awaits and this Polish striker will once again be expected to find the goals.