Strasbourg and Auxerre can both reach attacking areas, but their first recovery and defensive cover have recently opened clear looks. Auxerre's midfield can move a won second ball quickly toward its forwards, while Strasbourg seek Reyna and Yassine around the box. Union and Köln meet again after a cup match whose score hid a much closer shot count. This league meeting turns on whether Köln get short transition fields or must build against Union's compact home shape.
Namaso and Faivre finished Auxerre's attacks at Le Havre, and Sy created a rebound finish in the cup. Strasbourg have recently reached the box without consistently producing high-quality finishes, while opponents have punished their high regains and low-cross cover. Akpa, Tuanzebe and Makosso played the latest Auxerre cup game before becoming doubtful, so their current status is a real lineup question rather than three confirmed absences. That's why I'm siding with Auxerre to use its forward reception and second contacts to stay in the match.
Köln's Krauß regain, Maina supply and El Mala's movement were genuine cup threats, but Union also generated chances before the score widened. Union's home league shape has been compact, and Aebischer's delivery plus a restart second ball provide their attacking response. Ilic remains absent, while Rønnow's recent league appearance and Raab's cup start leave the goalkeeping choice open; Köln have also struggled to turn patient away possession into clean finishes. That's why I'm siding with Union Berlin to resist Köln's press and keep this rematch close.
