🔊 In the first round of the DFB-Pokal, Rot-Weiss Essen will host Borussia Dortmund. For the Third Division side, this is a unique opportunity to showcase themselves against a giant of German football and experience the true tournament atmosphere. Essen approaches the match with ambition and fighting spirit, hoping to capitalize on their home stadium advantage and fan support. Borussia, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, participated in the Club World Cup over the summer and played three friendly matches with mixed results. Undoubtedly, the experience and quality of their players make "the Bees" the favorites for this encounter. The match will be a tough test for Essen and a chance for Dortmund to demonstrate their ambitions in the DFB-Pokal right from the start.
Head-to-Head
📊 Officially, Rot-Weiss Essen and Borussia Dortmund have faced each other only once. The match took place on 09 August 2008 at Essen's home ground and ended with a 1-3 scoreline.
RW Essen Team Overview
The team's last official match took place on as part of the Third League – Round 2 fixture (Havelse as the hosts, Rot-Weiss Essen as the visitors). The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Here are the match statistics (Rot-Weiss Essen vs Havelse):
- possession: 59% vs 41%;
- corners: 12 vs 3;
- fouls: 9 vs 10;
- yellow cards: 3 vs 3;
- shots on target: 9 vs 5.
🔴 RW Essen, a club with a rich history, have been competing in the Third Division in recent years. Known for their organized play and fighting spirit, especially at their home ground, they have made a name for themselves. Over the summer, the club underwent preseason training and played several friendly matches to fine-tune their tactics and acclimate young players to the intensity of third-tier competition. The season kicked off with a busy schedule: Essen have secured two points from their first two matches, demonstrating character and consistency. Ahead of their German Cup clash against a more illustrious opponent, their home support and desire to prove themselves make them a dangerous adversary for any favorite.
Borussia Dortmund Team Overview
The visitors last played on in a friendly match where Borussia Dortmund hosted Juventus. The match ended with a 1-2 scoreline.
Here are the match statistics (Borussia Dortmund vs Juventus):
- possession: 58% vs 42%;
- corners: 2 vs 2;
- fouls: 11 vs 13;
- yellow cards: 1 vs 2;
- shots on target: 1 vs 4.
🟡 Borussia, under the guidance of Niko Kovac, have had an eventful preseason. The team participated in the Club World Cup and played several friendly matches, showcasing their attacking potential, although they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Juventus in their latest outing. Injuries to key defenders have compounded their squad issues, which could impact their performance in the DFB-Pokal. Despite these challenges, Dortmund remain the favorites for the upcoming match and are determined to display their strength and ambition from the first whistle.
Outcome Prediction
Outcome Prediction
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters – 1;
- Home wins – 0, Away wins – 1, Draws – 0.
Total Goals Prediction
Head-to-Head Matches
- Home team average goals – 1, Away team – 3;
- Average total goals in head-to-head matches – 4;
- Both teams scored: overall – once; at the home ground – once.
- Rot-Weiss Essen have scored at home in 10 of their last 11 matches.
- Rot-Weiss Essen have found the net in 9 of their last 10 games.
- Borussia Dortmund have conceded in 9 of their last 10 away matches.
Cards Prediction
Head-to-Head Matches
- Average total yellow cards in head-to-head matches – 4 (2 for the home team and 2 for the visitors);
- Average total yellow cards at the home ground – 3 (2 for the home team and 1 for the visitors).
Both Teams to Score Prediction
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters – 1;
- Both teams scored overall – once;
- At the home ground – once.
- Rot-Weiss Essen have both scored and conceded in their last 5 matches consecutively.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Rot-Weiss Essen versus Borussia Dortmund is a classic "giant versus plucky underdog" matchup. Essen are eager and hope to pull off a surprise on their home turf, but Dortmund's class, experience, and lineup make the visitors clear favorites. In such encounters, the Bundesliga side usually dominates, although the local fans might create pressure and spark a few moments of excitement. Final bet: Borussia Dortmund to win with a -1.5 handicap.[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
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