Hamburg's compact shape can make this cup tie slow to open, while Frankfurt should spend longer spells around the box. The question is whether those spells become close chances after the first crosses are cleared. Hamburg's best attacking moments are likely to come from quick breaks through the wide channels.
Frankfurt found a different way through Köln when a short central combination ended a long spell of crossing. Hamburg held Stuttgart off despite allowing many shots, then made only one shot on target at Paderborn as another deep defensive spell finally gave way. Muheim and El Ouahdi can still release Moffi into space, but Frankfurt have the stronger route back into the box after a clearance.
Vieira, Nadir and Poulsen all played in Hamburg's last match and are now unavailable, reducing the passing exit and hold-up play behind those breaks. Tangvik also takes over in goal. Frankfurt can rotate its attack, but Burkardt and Ebnoutalib offer a proven route to the central finish.
I expect Hamburg to crowd the middle early and Frankfurt to keep recycling the ball until a short pass opens a better shot. That's why I'm siding with Eintracht Frankfurt to finish ahead during regular time.
