Borussia Monchengladbach vs Cologne preview - Gladbach chase derby honours

Lucien Favre celebrates four years on the Borussia Monchengladbach bench this weekend and he will have an ideal gift in mind - three points against local rivals Cologne.

The Swiss coach took over the Foals when they appeared odds on for relegation in 2011.

He somehow managed to steer them to safety, via a play-off, and in his first full season he guided them to a place in the Champions League.

Since then, Gladbach have always been challenging for a place in Europe and this season is no exception with a point between them and third-placed Schalke going into one of the most important fixtures on the calendar for both sets of fans.

"I've had a very, very exciting time here so far," said Favre at a press conference on Thursday.

"The important thing about being a coach is that you enjoy yourself and I've got to say I really am enjoying myself."

It is a time of the year when the whole city of Cologne seeks to enjoys itself too with Carnival beginning this week - although the players are determined to stay focused on the job at hand.

Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer told the Express newspaper: "We've got a big game and nobody is going to get it in their head to go out celebrating.

"The derby against Gladbach is bigger than those against Leverkusen and Dusseldorf for me.

"You can see how the whole region is electrified by it. We know what quality Gladbach have, but if we carry on the way we've been playing in our last two games, then we can get something.

"We've got to continue to be strong defensively and then take the few chances we get."

His task will be to stop Max Kruse, who is aware that Cologne are not a side to be taken lightly.

"We can't just come out all guns blazing," he said. "Cologne are very strong defensively and try to hit you on the break.

"They are the second best team away from home this season and that's something we've got to be aware of, but we are at home and of course we want to win.

"The derby's not just important for the fans, it's important for us players too."