The Cologne coach scored 22 times in 64 Bundesliga 2 games for Union between 2002 and 2004. He was a fan favourite at the Alte Försterei and is still a member of the club, sometimes featuring for their overage team. He’s yet to beat his former club as a coach in the Bundesliga, drawing two and losing three with Paderborn and Cologne.

Union’s record of six wins and a draw from seven Bundesliga meetings with Cologne is their best against any club they’ve faced in the top flight. Conversely, Die Eisernen are the only team the Billy Goats have faced in the Bundesliga without ever winning at least once. They last won against Union in Bundesliga 2 on 11 April 2014 (2-1 at the Alte Försterei).

Alongside Bayern Munich, Union are the only team yet to lose at home in the Bundesliga this season. The Berliners’ record is seven wins and three draws. Cologne haven’t won on the road for six months.

Cologne have failed to score in four of their last five Bundesliga games. The exception was the 3-0 win at home to Frankfurt on Matchday 20.

Thanks for joining us for build-up and live match coverage of the Matchday 23 fixture between 1. FC Union Berlin and 1. FC Köln.