DFB-Pokal Showdown
Hamburger SV are set to host Eintracht Frankfurt in a highly anticipated DFB-Pokal Round of 16 encounter. This cup tie marks the first of two meetings between the clubs within five days, adding extra intensity to the fixture.
Hamburger SV: Seeking Redemption
Merlin Polzin’s Hamburger SV side will be looking to bounce back after their three-game winning streak was halted by a loss to Paderborn on Saturday. Rayan Philippe scored the decisive goal for Paderborn late in the game. Returning to their home ground, Volksparkstadion, will be a boost for HSV, who recently secured victories against Köln and Stuttgart there.
However, HSV face challenges with injuries to key midfielders Fabio Vieira and Bilal Nadir, both of whom sustained injuries over the weekend. There is positive news with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Albert Grönbaek potentially making their first starts since recovering from their respective injury layoffs.
Historically, HSV have struggled at this stage of the DFB-Pokal, having been knocked out in the Round of 16 in two of the last four seasons.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Cup Pedigree
Eintracht Frankfurt, under Adi Hütter, enter the match with a strong DFB-Pokal record, despite losing to Borussia Dortmund on penalties in the second round last season. They made a significant statement in the first round, recording an emphatic 11-0 victory over Oberliga side SC St. Tonis, with eight different players finding the net.
Recent Bundesliga form has seen Frankfurt struggle for goals, scoring only once in their last three league matches after the international break. Their defence held firm against Borussia Dortmund recently, but a late Maximilian Beier goal led to their third defeat of the season.
Frankfurt report no new injury concerns, though changes to the starting lineup are possible due to performance considerations and fixture congestion.
Cup History
The two teams have a history in the DFB-Pokal. Their last cup meeting at a similar stage in 2010 saw Frankfurt emerge victorious with a 5-2 home win. Furthermore, Frankfurt famously defeated HSV in the 1973/74 final, with club legend Bernd Hölzenbein securing an extra-time victory.
Predicted Lineups
Hamburger SV: Tangvik; Nandja, Bornauw, Omari; El Ouahdi, Sambi Lokonga ©, Amoako, Lemke; Adeline, Grönbaek; Moffi
Eintracht Frankfurt: Atubolu; Collins, Koch ©, Brassier, Baum; Onyedika, Aseko; Doan, Chaibi; Ebnoutalib, Burkardt