TSG Hoffenheim vs. Elversberg: Third Division vs. Bundesliga in DFB Pokal Clash

Underdogs Elversberg Aim to Upset Hoffenheim

TSG Hoffenheim, a Bundesliga club, will face off against SV Elversberg, a third-tier side, in the first round of the DFB Pokal on Saturday, August 19. Elversberg, despite being a lower-division team, will be looking to cause an upset and advance to the next round. Elversberg has a history of giant-killing in the DFB Pokal, having eliminated Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Arminia Bielefeld in recent years. In the 2021-22 season, they reached the quarterfinals.

Form Guide: Hoffenheim Stumbling, Elversberg Impressive

Hoffenheim has had a poor start to the Bundesliga season, losing both of their opening matches. They are currently in the relegation zone. Elversberg, on the other hand, has started the 3. Liga campaign with two wins and a draw. Elversberg's manager, Horst Steffen, is confident in his team's ability to challenge Hoffenheim. "We are not afraid of Hoffenheim," he said. "We have a good team and we believe in ourselves." Hoffenheim's manager, Andre Breitenreiter, is aware of the threat posed by Elversberg. "They are a very good team," he said. "We need to be at our best to beat them."

TSG Hoffenheim: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Hoffenheim will be without several key players for the match, including Andrej Kramaric, Dennis Geiger, and Ermin Bicakcic. **Predicted Lineup:** Baumann; Kabak, Vogt, Nsoki; Kaderabek, Geiger, Stiller, Angelino; Baumgartner, Rutter, Dabbur

SV Elversberg: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Elversberg has no major injury concerns ahead of the match. **Predicted Lineup:** Kristof; Conrad, Correia, Schnellbacher; di Gregorio, Jacobsen, Koffi, Rochelt; Feil, Woltemade, Mustafa

Prediction

Hoffenheim will be the favorites to win the match, but Elversberg has the potential to cause an upset. A close and exciting match is expected. **Prediction:** Hoffenheim 2-1 Elversberg