Preview: Saarbrucken vs. Kaiserslautern DFB-Pokal 02/04/2024 – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

In a captivating DFB-Pokal semi-final clash, Saarbrucken is set to host Kaiserslautern, showcasing an intriguing battle between two lower-league clubs on Tuesday night.

This match marks the first of two semi-finals, with the winners earning a spot in the cup final against either Bayer Leverkusen or Fortuna Dusseldorf in Berlin in May.

Match Preview:

Saarbrucken, who famously reached the semi-finals in 2019-20 as a fourth-tier side, has achieved the remarkable feat once again, this time as a third division club.

A victory here would see them become the first team from the third division to reach the Pokal final since Union Berlin in 2001.

Their journey to the semi-finals has been filled with surprises, including stunning victories over top-tier clubs like Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Despite their impressive cup run, Saarbrucken has not played a competitive match since March 16, with their weekend fixture against Rot-Weiss Essen postponed.

Kaiserslautern, on the other hand, has had a less remarkable but still commendable journey to the semi-finals.

Despite their struggles in the league, they have managed to progress in the cup by defeating mid-table 2. Bundesliga sides Nuremberg and Hertha Berlin.

However, they remain deep in relegation trouble in their league campaign.

Team News:

Saarbrucken may be without key players such as Kai Brunker and Patrick Sontheimer due to injury concerns.

Manager Ziehl could make defensive changes, with Bjarne Thoelke and Calogero Rizzuto likely to feature.

Kaiserslautern will miss key players like Ragnar Ache, Philipp Klement, Julian Krahl, and Hendrick Zuck due to injuries.

Left-back Tymoteusz Puchacz will be hoping for continued success after featuring for Poland in the recent Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Possible Lineups:

Saarbrucken: (5-4-1)

Schreiber;

Rizzuto, Thoelke, Zeitz, Boeder, Gaus;

Naifi, Kerber, Civeja, Stehle;

Rabihic

Kaiserslautern: (3-4-3)

Himmelmann;

Elvedi, Tomiak, Toure;

Ronstadt, Kaloc, Niehues, Puchacz;

Ritter, Hanslik, Redondo

Prediction: 1-2 Kaiserslautern

Despite Saarbrucken’s remarkable cup run, Kaiserslautern’s higher quality and experience may give them the edge in this encounter.

While Saarbrucken holds the home advantage, Kaiserslautern’s ability to deliver under pressure in cup competitions could see them through to the final.

• Prediction: Kaiserslautern Win
• Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals