Schalke's compact shape can slow an opponent, while Leipzig have created decisive chances from wide supply and later restarts. Stuttgart can press Leverkusen's first pass, but Leverkusen can recycle a blocked attack into another box delivery. Both matches are contests between an early regain and the next pass after the defence resets. The far-side receiver and second ball are especially important.
Schalke want Tanaka and Ljubičić to win the first ball and release Karaman or Adamu quickly. Leipzig can work Nusa and Raum down the left, then find Rômulo or Baumgartner after the first cross is cleared. Bachmann and Vozar are newly out for Schalke, while Karaman and Ljubičić played only short cup minutes; Baumgartner has recent scoring minutes and Nkunku has returned to training. Leipzig's repeated wide and later supply makes me side with Leipzig to win.
Leverkusen's pressure can test Stuttgart's replacement midfield outlet, and García can recycle the ball toward Hofmann, Maza and Schick or attack a restart with Tapsoba. Stiller left Stuttgart's last cup match after a half and is now officially out; Vagnoman is also out, with Assignon the recent right-side replacement. Leverkusen's named attacking receivers appeared in their cup comeback despite other absences. Their current supply has more ways to produce the decisive next contact, so I'm siding with Leverkusen to win.
