Matchday News: Werkself out to continue derby run

#KOEB04: match facts

A Leverkusen victory in Cologne would equal the longest winning run in this fixture: between 2004 and 2009, the Werkself also beat their Rhine rivals six times in a row. On their last visit to the cathedral city, Patrik Schick earned his side three points with a brace. The Czech has already hit the net seven times in eight matchdays of the current campaign - only Patrick Helmes in 2008/09 has ever scored more goals at this stage of the season for Bayer 04 (8).

focus on the billy goats

Köln's main creator is Linton Maina, with four assists in all competitions this season. Together with Said El Mala, he's particularly dangerous in transitions when there's space in behind the defence. The 5-0 win over 1. FC Union Berlin in the DFB Pokal, in which the pair registered five goal involvements between them, showed how deadly the duo can be. The Köln attack could also be boosted by the return of striker Ragnar Ache, who is set to return to the squad following injury. The fact that the Billy Goats have only lost one of their last five competitive games is equally, if not more due to their solid defence. Read more about what the Werkself can expect on the other side of the Rhine in our comprehensive opposition profile.