HSV can protect the middle with a deep back five, but that shape leaves the first forward pass and the second ball under pressure. Frankfurt have recently recovered the ball through Onyedika and Aséko and found two forwards in the box. The match turns on whether HSV can release Moffi and their wingbacks before Frankfurt restores its cover.
HSV's win over Stuttgart showed how long this block can survive, though it also allowed 24 shots. At Paderborn, the first outlet was poor and HSV produced only one shot on target. Frankfurt found a different way through Köln with Aséko's short return pass after wider deliveries had stalled, giving Burkardt and Ebnoutalib a more direct final touch.
HSV's club update removes Nadir, Vieira and Poulsen after all three played at Paderborn, alongside the already missing Remberg. Lokonga's recent substitute minutes do not yet show that the central outlet is restored. Polzin has also named Tangvik for this cup tie after Fernandes' important saves in the recent home games. Frankfurt's recent midfield recovery and box supply should be the stronger chain as this game develops. That's why I'm siding with Eintracht Frankfurt to win.
