On Saturday evening, Monchengladbach hosts Koln in a Rhineland derby match that could have big implications on the visitor's chances of landing a European spot this season.
Despite flirting with the relegation spots earlier in the season, Gladbach has surged up the table in recent weeks after mounting a four-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga, including three victories.
Adi Hutter’s team would move to within three points of their Rhineland rivals with a win in this clash.
Last time out Monchengladbach recorded a 2-0 win at struggling Greuther Furth, with French forward Alassane Plea scoring his third goal in four league appearances.
While Plea has found his form in attack, the Gladbach defence has also upped their game of late, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four league outings.
The Foals’ home form has also improved in recent weeks, as they are now unbeaten in their last four Bundesliga games at Borussia Park.
Koln are just a point outside of the Bundesliga’s top six and European places in the German top-flight. A recent inconsistent run of league form has rather hindered the Billy Goats' chances of playing European football next season.
In fact, their recent Bundesliga form could not be more inconsistent, as they have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six league outings.
A 3-2 win over Mainz last time out at least got them back to winning ways, as the visitors had picked up just one point from their previous two league outings.
Koln have a poor recent away record in the German top-flight, having won just once in their last five league games on their travels.
Forebet predicts that Monchengladbach will continue their recent promising run of form by recording a victory in a low-scoring encounter to dent Koln’s chances of playing European football next season.