Schalke's block and Leipzig's later attacking changes make their game a test of patience and second passes. Stuttgart's press gives Leverkusen a different first-pass test, with both teams capable of creating an early chance. Augsburg and Freiburg should trade wide pressure for direct releases and second-ball attacks. Across these games, the decisive detail is who can build another box entry after the first wave.
Schalke can crowd the middle, but their recent home attacks have struggled to turn box entries into clean shots. Their current losses around central pressure and left-side delivery make the pass after a regain especially important. Karaman and Ljubicic only returned as substitutes at Dresden, while Leipzig's Baumgartner and Nkunku are planned later options rather than confirmed starters. Nusa can carry into space and Rômulo can receive centrally, with a second attacking wave as the game stretches. That's why I'm siding with RB Leipzig to turn sustained supply into the decisive goal.
Stuttgart can win the first ball high and find Undav or Demirović, as their Atlético opener showed. Leverkusen can answer through García and Fernández into Schick and Maza, and García's corner delivery gives Tapsoba another route after a clearance. Stiller left Stuttgart's last cup game injured and is out; Leverkusen's Diaby and Badé also missed their latest cup tie, but Schick, García, Tapsoba, Maza and Hofmann remain available receivers. Leverkusen's ability to build a second attack after a setback gives them the stronger route to a winner. That's why I'm siding with Bayer Leverkusen at home.
Freiburg can deliver from Günter or Grifo toward Matanović and later Goto, while Augsburg's changed back three has to handle those contacts. Augsburg have a direct answer through Behrens, Rieder and a forward receiver, with Kade and Ibrahimović shown as later options in the cup. Bah is suspended after playing the cup, Brackelmann left the Union game injured, and Banks remains out; Freiburg's Treu exited its cup game and its full-back arrangement is still unsettled. I expect Augsburg to keep a home reply available through those direct and later connections. That's why I'm siding with Augsburg to take something from this match.
