Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the DFB-Pokal match.
Sonnenhof Grossaspach open their German Cup campaign at home against one of the country’s top clubs, Bayer Leverkusen. For the hosts, it’s a chance to test themselves against elite opposition and give their fans a memorable night, while for the visitors it’s an opportunity to progress comfortably to the next round and use the match as preparation for the Bundesliga start.
Sonnenhof Grossaspach
Sonnenhof Grossaspach are in fine attacking form, scoring 20 goals in their last six matches. They press aggressively in midfield and transition quickly down the flanks, a tactic that has regularly paid off against Regionalliga opponents. In the league, they top the table after emphatic wins over Balingen (6:1) and Walldorf (4:1).
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen, under Erik ten Hag, play balanced attacking football, netting eight times in their last five outings. However, the defence has shown frailties, as seen against Chelsea (0:2) and Flamengo’s youth side (1:5). The summer saw key defensive departures — Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky — weakening Bayer Leverkusen’s back line.
Sonnenhof Grossaspach vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen will undoubtedly dominate, but Sonnenhof’s attacking form and the visitors’ less-than-perfect defending could lead to goals at both ends. The favourites will go through, but the hosts have enough to please their supporters with at least one strike.
