DFB-Pokal Giant Killers? Koblenz Face Wolfsburg Challenge
Fifth-tier Koblenz prepare to host Bundesliga giants Wolfsburg in the opening round of the DFB-Pokal, aiming for an unlikely upset at the Stadion Oberwerth on Monday.
Koblenz, having already kicked off their 2024-25 campaign in the Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar, find themselves facing a formidable opponent in Wolfsburg. The hosts secured one win and one loss in their opening two league matches, while the visitors will be making their season debut in this cup encounter.
Koblenz, a side with a history of yo-yoing between the amateur and professional leagues, have spent much of their recent years in the lower echelons of German football. After a brief spell in the fourth tier, they were relegated back to the fifth division in 2017-18, where they have remained since. Their latest promotion, achieved in 2022-23, was short-lived as they suffered immediate relegation at the end of last season.
Despite the challenges, Koblenz manager Michael Stahl, who has been at the helm since 2021, will be looking to inspire his side to a monumental upset. Their opening match victory this season provides a glimmer of hope, but Wolfsburg will be a far tougher proposition.
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, have endured a rollercoaster of fortunes in recent years. After a successful spell in the European places between 2018 and 2021, they experienced a decline in the following campaigns, finishing 12th in 2021-22 and 2023-24. A poor run of form in the latter part of the previous season saw them appoint Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager, replacing Nico Kovac.
Hasenhuttl provided an immediate boost, winning his first match in charge and achieving three more victories in his first seven games. However, their pre-season form was unconvincing, with only one win in five friendly matches. Wolfsburg will be eager to start the new campaign with a positive result, aiming to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing finish.
Team news for the cup clash reveals some key absences. Koblenz are expected to field a similar lineup to their recent league matches, with striker duo Dominik Kaiser and Dylan Akpess Esmel likely to lead the attack. Wolfsburg, meanwhile, will be without the services of Rogerio, who has been sidelined since May with an injury. Despite the setback, Hasenhuttl is expected to field a strong starting XI, determined to secure a winning start.
Koblenz's recent league form: W-L
Wolfsburg's recent friendly form: W-D-L-L-D
Predicted Lineups:
Koblenz: Zadach; Yaman, von der Bracke, Grgic, Zeghli; Hysenaj, Wingender, Yeboah, Tuchscherer; Kaiser, Esmel
Wolfsburg: Grabara; Bornauw, Lacroix, Zesiger; Wimmer, Gerhardt, Arnold, Kaminski; Majer, Paredes; Behrens
Despite the potential for a giant-killing feat, Wolfsburg's superior quality and experience suggest a comfortable victory for the visitors. The Bundesliga side is expected to overcome their fifth-tier opponents, with a predicted scoreline of Koblenz 1-3 Wolfsburg.
