German third-division outfit Arminia Bielefeld will have to take down giants Bayer Leverkusen if they want to make it to the final of the DFB-Pokal.
Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen will look to once again book a place in the final of the DFB-Pokal with a win over Arminia Bielefeld. While they will be out-and-out favourites, Xabi Alonso’s team cannot take anything for granted.
Arminia Bielefeld are fourth in the German third tier, and they are pushing for a promotion playoff place. They have had a decent season so far and can certainly create history if they manage to go past Leverkusen.
They defeated Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen to book a place in the last four and will be confident of scripting another upset against one of the best teams in Germany. While Arminia Bielefeld were lucky to get the better of Bremen, they have got the better of three German top-flight teams to come this far.
The visitors are second in the Bundesliga, six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. While defending the Bundesliga league title won’t be easy, Xabi Alonso’s team can certainly try to hold onto the DFB-Pokal.
FC Koln were on the verge of knocking them out as they had a 2-0 lead in the quarter-finals, but Leverkusen managed to script an incredible comeback. Having defeated VfL Bochum 3-1 in their last fixture, Alonso’s team are in fine form heading into this fixture. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Arminia Bielefeld
Arminia Bielefeld do not have any fresh injury concerns heading into this fixture and could end up naming the same XI that started in their last cup outing against Weder Bremen.
It will be a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Jonas Kersken will take charge in between the sticks. The back four will be made up of Christopher Lannert, Leon Schneider, Joel Felix, and Louis Oppie. Lannert and Oppie will play as the full-backs, while Schneider and Felix will feature in the heart of the defence.
In the centre of the park, Sam Schreck should partner with Stefano Russo. The duo will look to shield the backline and ensure the Bayer Leverkusen midfielders do not dominate the ball too deep in their half.
Lukas Kunze and Marius Worl will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Mael Corboz will be the attacking midfielder, while Julian Kania will be the one leading the line for them.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kersken; Lannert, Schneider, Felix, Oppie; Schreck, Russo; Kunze, Corboz, Worl; Kania
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen could be without quite a few first-team stars for this away fixture against Arminia Bielefeld as Martin Terrier, Nathan Tella, Edmond Tapsoba, Mario Hermoso and Jeanuel Belocian are all out injured. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz is doubtful for this fixture.
Xabi Alonso will stick to the 3-4-2-1 formation, where Lukas Hradecky will be in goal. The back three will be made up of Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie.
The trio will receive significant support from Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, who will feature as the wing-backs. In the centre of the park, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will look to control the tempo of the game. Aleix Garcia and Amine Adli could be the two attacking midfielders behind Patrik Schick, who should lead the line for Bayer Leverkusen against Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Adli, Garcia; Schick
Key Stats
- Arminia Bielefeld have defeated three Bundesliga clubs in a row to make it to the semi-finals.
- Bayer Leverkusen have only lost two out of their last 11 away games (W7 D2).
- The home team have won seven out of their last nine matches heading into this fixture (L1).
- After a run of three games without a goal, Bayer Leverkusen have bagged seven goals in their last two outings.
- Arminia Bielefeld have won each of their last four games at SchucoArena in the DFB-Pokal. They have been unbeaten in their last five home games across competitions.
Player to Watch
Granit Xhaka
While Xhaka might not have the limelight at Bayer Leverkusen, he is one of their most important players. The 32-year-old is the one who holds the team together and ensures they dictate the pace of the game.
The former Arsenal skipper even has nine goal contributions to his name. The Swiss international can contribute in different ways, and it won’t be a big surprise if he steps up and delivers in this semi-final clash.
Prediction
Arminia Bielefeld 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Arminia Bielefeld have done wonders by taking down three Bundesliga outfits to reach this far in the competition. However, going up against one of the best teams in Germany won’t be that easy. Bayer Leverkusen have been in fine form of late, and they will be clear favourites to win this fixture. The Hard Tackle predicts an easy 2-0 win for the away team.
