Bayern München v 1. FC Köln prediction, lineups & tips, Bundesliga matchday 34

Vincent Kompany is eagerly anticipating lifting the Bundesliga trophy at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, and he has every reason to be. Bayern München arrive at matchday 34 with 86 points and a goal tally of 117, already the most ever scored in a single Bundesliga season. One more big win against 1. FC Köln could push that record further out of reach. The only question is how much Kompany rotates for a side that has also just come through a Champions League semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain, and has the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart in Berlin a week later.

Bayern's domestic season has been little short of extraordinary. They sit 16 points clear at the top, having won 27, drawn five and lost just one of their 33 Bundesliga fixtures. Their home record reads 13 wins, two draws and a single defeat, with 63 goals scored at the Allianz Arena alone. The average of 3.9 goals per home game tells you what Köln are walking into.

Kompany's side did labour to a 1-0 win at Wolfsburg on 9 May, with Michael Olise's goal settling a game where Bayern barely got out of second gear three days after the PSG tie. That blip aside, they have won 11 and drawn two of their last 13 Bundesliga matches. Kompany himself addressed calls for him to change his approach after the PSG defeat: "When the goal difference is +82, when you hold the Bundesliga record, then you've done enough to ensure you can't lose."

Köln arrive having secured safety, which rather sums up this visit. Their Bundesliga status was confirmed last weekend despite a 1-3 home defeat to Heidenheim on 10 May, their third consecutive game conceding at least twice. Interim boss Rene Wagner's side have picked up just two points from the last 12 available, and have failed to win 12 of their last 13 Bundesliga fixtures. Newly promoted this season, the Billy Goats can point to the objective being achieved, but a trip to the champions on the final day is a painful way to finish. In the reverse fixture at the RheinEnergieStadion in January, Bayern won 3-1 without breaking sweat.

At his press conference on 15 May, Kompany confirmed Manuel Neuer would start in goal, ending any speculation about the goalkeeper's involvement in the season finale. "Manu will play tomorrow," Kompany said. "I know it might be emotional because it's Köln." He also guaranteed Leon Goretzka a starting place, framing it as earned rather than a sentimental gesture. The Belgian added that he is looking forward to lifting the trophy on home soil before turning his focus fully to the cup final in Berlin.

Bayern München: Neuer; Stanisic, Kim, Upamecano, Bischof; Kimmich, Goretzka; Karl, Musiala, Olise; Kane

1. FC Köln: Schwäbe; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Özkacar, Lund; Krauss, Kaminski; Maina, Kainz, Bülter; El Mala

Bayern München v 1. FC Köln kicks off at 14:30 BST on Saturday, 16 May 2026. All Bundesliga matchday 34 fixtures kick off simultaneously. In the UK, the Bundesliga is broadcast on Sky Sports and BBC, with Sky Sports carrying selected fixtures. Check Sky Sports Football and the Sky Go app for streaming options.