Overview
HEBC won the right to participate in the DFB-Pokal after winning the Hamburg Cup in May. Notably, this team is allowed to use Hamburger SV's Volksparkstadion stadium as their home ground for the match against Dortmund.
The gap between the two teams is very large. All 28 HEBC players played without receiving salaries, while their opponent is one of the top German teams. This is only the second time HEBC has participated in the DFB-Pokal.
The first time HEBC participated in the tournament was in the 1934-1935 season. At that time, they suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat to Eimsbutteler TV. Therefore, HEBC's realistic goal this time was to create a memorable performance and avoid a similar result.
On the other side, Dortmund entered the match with a more positive mentality. Niko Kovac's team once lost 1-2 to Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup match, but quickly regained victory by defeating Hamburger SV 2-0 in the Bundesliga last weekend.
Dortmund has impressive achievements at the DFB-Pokal with 5 championships and 10 appearances in the final. The last time they were eliminated in the first round was more than two decades ago, in the 2005-2006 season.
However, Dortmund has not been able to go far in the league in recent seasons. They have all stopped in the round of 16 in the last three seasons.
Dortmund is aiming for a third victory in 4 official matches. If they qualify, they will have a fifth victory in the season. Conversely, a defeat against HEBC would be a huge shock and increase Dortmund's number of defeats to 5 after 9 matches.
Another notable point is that Dortmund does not have to play away from home this season, as all 3 official matches have taken place at Signal Iduna Park.
In terms of force, experience and class, Dortmund is clearly rated much higher. For HEBC, facing a Bundesliga team right at the Volksparkstadion is already a special milestone.
Personnel situation
HEBC is likely to use Nils Ahmann in goal, in front is the trio Bastian Stech, Janek Wrede and Julius Stegemann. To increase defensive ability against Dortmund's pressure, Philipp Obloch can arrange three midfielders Laurel Aug, Semir Demirovic and Piet Oldag.
Dortmund is predicted to rotate the squad strongly after the victory over Hamburger SV. This opens up opportunities for young players like Enzo Duarte to be given a starting spot in midfield.
In attack, Dortmund will not have the service of Giannis Konstantelias for a long time after this striker was confirmed to have a ligament injury in the match against Hamburger SV. Konstantinos Karetsas may be considered to play highest, alongside Mathis Albert and Fabio Silva.
Expected lineup:
HEBC: Ahmann, Stech, Wrede, Stegemann, Von Zitzewitz, Aug, Demirovic, Oldag, Eggers, Magens, Verago.
Borussia Dortmund: Ostrzinski, Reggiani, Mane, Prates, Kaba, Duarte, Veerman, Beier, Karetsas, Silva, Albert.
The match between HEBC Hamburg and Dortmund takes place at 1:45 am on September 2nd (Vietnam time).
