In the premier Bundesliga match of the weekend, FC Cologne (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) visits Bayern Munich (0-0-1) Sunday. The match is set to kickoff at 11:30 a.m. ET at Allianz Arena. Below, we preview the FC Cologne vs. Bayern Munich odds and lines, and make our best Bundesliga bets, picks and predictions.
Bayern Munich will enter this match coming off a 3-1 DFL-Supercup victory over Dortmund. However, that success didn’t translate to its opening Bundesliga match as it played to a 1-1 draw with Monchengladbach.
Their opponent, FC Cologne won 3-1 and entered the weekend in a top-five position. Its luck may run out as a heavy underdog in this match.
Bayern won the league by 13 points last season, so the talent is there. This should be a full display following a disappointing first outing.
FC Cologne at Bayern Munich: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:10 p.m. ET.
- Money line: FC Cologne +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Bayern Munich -700 (bet $700 to win $100) | Draw +750
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -140 | U: +115)
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Prediction
Bayern Munich 3, FC Cologne 1
Money line (ML)
PASS on the money line. After drawing a team clearly not at its level despite having double the shots, I wouldn’t put money on a -700 bet. A draw is possible, although unlikely.
The best value is for BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (-115). You get one team not to score at -120, so it’s basically an even bet.
With both teams showing attacking prowess to kick off the season, I’d bet Munich wins relatively easily but FC Cologne, who netted 3 goals in its opener, gets on the board.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the OVER 3.5 (-140) as Bayern has looked lethal offensively yet also allowed a goal in each of its last two matches. If that trend continues, it should bode well for the Over.
Thirty-three-year-old F Robert Lewandowski scored twice against Dortmund. Thomas Muller also got in on the action. With pace from players like Leroy Sané, expect Bayern to score at will.
Last season, Bayern gave up 44 goals in 34 matches. With FC Cologne coming off a 3-goal performance in its opener, 28-year-old F Florian Kainz could add to the 2 he scored a week ago.
This game could easily be a high-scoring match.
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