Viktoria Koln vs Nurnberg Prediction & Betting Tips (22 August)

The DFB-Pokal 2026/27 first round gets underway on Saturday, 22 August 2026, when FC Viktoria Köln host 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg at the Sportpark Höhenberg in Cologne. Kick-off is set for 15:30 CET, with both clubs looking to launch their cup campaigns with a victory and advance to the second round of Germany's premier knockout competition.

Viktoria Köln enter the match with their 2026/2027 season squad under coach Marian Wilhelm, led by captain and forward David Otto alongside key figures such as midfielder Taylan Duman, defender Christoph Greger, and goalkeeper Arne Schulz. The 3. Liga side will look to build on past performances, including their away success against Ingolstadt which finished 1-2, though they face a significant step up in class against second-tier opposition.

Nürnberg head to Cologne as the bookmakers' favorites, with head coach Miroslav Klose able to call upon a deep 2026/2027 roster featuring captain Jan Reichert in goal, forwards Sigurd Haugen and Adriano Grimaldi, midfielder Julian Justvan, and defensive loanee Mikayil Faye from Rennes. Notably, Viktoria Köln's own squad includes striker Noah Maboulou, who is on loan from Nürnberg for the season, adding an intriguing subplot to this cup encounter.

European odds for the fixture reflect Nürnberg's status as favorites, with the visitors priced at approximately 1.65, a draw at around 3.75, and a home win for Viktoria Köln available at roughly 4.40. Taking into account the difference in league level, squad depth, and current form, our prediction is a 1 : 3 win for 1. FC Nürnberg, expecting the 2. Bundesliga side to prove too strong for their third-tier hosts over ninety minu