Bayern Munich v FC Koln: Match prediction and more | Bundesliga 2019/20

Spare a thought for FC Koln, who've just been promoted and thrown in the deep end. It has only been four games into the season and they've already faced Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach. They visit Bayern Munich next on Saturday.

If they can manage to trouble the defending champions the way they kept Dortmund at bay for nearly two-thirds of the game, they'll chalk it off as a good day and walk away. Niko Kovac and co. on the other hand, will be hungry when Achim Beierlorzer brings his FC Koln side to the Allianz Arena.

Having shaken off their 1-1 draw against Leipzig with a win over Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in midweek, Bayern will be keen to gather some steam as they go into this tie.

Bayern cannot afford complacency

Complacency is not often associated with Bayern Munich, but now as they have genuine contenders for the Bundesliga title in Lucien Favre's Dortmund and Julian Nagelsmann's RB Leipzig, they've to be on their toes all season long.

Bayern had a good end to their summer and have plenty of names in the squad who'll be itching for their turn on the pitch. As they start to alternate between cup competition and the league, Kovac will have to be sensible in his rotation strategy and pick the best moments to switch players and tactics.

In a season that's building up to be one that could be defined by fine margins, Bayern Munich will hope to dispatch newcomers FC Koln with ease and give valuable time on the pitch to some of their bench players.

The visitors will be playing to disrupt this rhythm and hope to get something out of this game. However, unlikely the possibility, you better believe that Bayern will be prepared for it.

Predicted score: Bayern Munich 4-0 FC Koln