The Breakdown: Arsenal v Cologne preview

We start our Europa League campaign with a match against Bundesliga side Cologne at Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

Ahead of the game, tactical expert Michael Cox analyses our opponents’ strengths, danger men and areas we can target.

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THE MANAGER  

Former Austrian international Peter Stoger is now into his fifth season in charge of Cologne, having previously coached a number of clubs in his home country. He achieved promotion in his second campaign, and subsequently recorded Bundesliga finishes of 12th, ninth and then fifth, earning Cologne an automatic Europa League spot. This season, however, has started poorly with three straight losses.

FORMATION  

So far this season Stoger has tended to use a compact 4-4-2 system featuring two forwards who are hard-working rather than prolific. Yuya Osako makes good runs and is excellent at starting Cologne’s press, but a record of 11 goals in 85 Bundesliga matches shows his limitations. He’ll make runs in behind his strike partner, the Colombian powerhouse Jhon Cordoba, who acts as more of a target man.  

STRENGTHS  

Cologne have all the hallmarks of a modern German side – they’re hard-working, organised compact and excellent at transitions. Expect an efficient counter-attacking performance, with plenty of men behind the ball and then sudden forays forward.  

DANGERMAN  

Jonas Hector is better known for his performances for the national team at left-back, but here is deployed as an all-round central midfielder offering energy, creativity and a devilish left foot. He’s the man to stop.  

AREAS TO TARGET  

Cologne have a talented but inexperienced group of defenders who have conceded rather too many chances this season, particularly from low crosses played from wide positions. There’s also a doubt about Cologne’s defending at set-plays – their zonal marking system has appeared rather static so far this season.