FC Koln vs. Hertha Berlin (Wednesday, 5.00pm)
FC Koln aim to carry their Bundesliga 2 form into the DFB-Pokal when they host capital club Hertha Berlin in Wednesday's round of 16 match at RheinEnergieStadion.
The home side, who beat Bundesliga debutants Holstein Kiel in the second round, are undefeated in five heading into the midweek clash against an opponent in indifferent form, as evidenced by two losses in four.
We say: FC Koln 2-1 Hertha Berlin
Despite Koln's ongoing form and commendable run against Wednesday's opponents, Struber's team must be wary of Hertha's encouraging away record this term — four wins, two draws and one defeat.
Regardless, the Billy Goats should back themselves for a marginal victory on home turf to inflict the Berlin club's third loss in five and extend their winning run over the visiting side.
Wolfsburg vs. Hoffenheim (Wednesday, 5.00pm)
With a place in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal up for grabs on Wednesday, Wolfsburg are set to welcome Hoffenheim to Volkswagen Arena in an all-Bundesliga clash.
The home team are eighth in the top flight with 18 points from 12 games and beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in the previous round on October 29, while their opponents emerged as 2-1 victors against Nurnberg on October 30 and are fifth last in 14th with 12 points after 12 matchweeks.
We say: Wolfsburg 3-1 Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim's away record is concerning, and the fact that they have continued to lose despite the arrival of a new manager suggests that many of their issues on the pitch are extensive and not so easily resolved.
It is hard to overlook Wolfsburg's exceptional form of late and if they can replicate their last performance, then it would not be surprising if they scored multiple goals on Wednesday.
RB Leipzig vs. Frankfurt (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
In a match that could decide the fate of RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose, his team are set to host Eintracht Frankfurt at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday in a round of 16 DFB-Pokal clash.
Die Roten Bullen are fourth in the Bundesliga with 21 points but were beaten 5-1 by Wolfsburg on November 30, while the away side are second with 26 points and defeated Heidenheim 4-0 on Sunday.
We say: RB Leipzig 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
Die Roten Bullen are in the midst of an injury crisis, and it is difficult to see how they can showcase their best level on Wednesday.
Both sides are experiencing contrasting fortunes at the moment, and Eintracht Frankfurt's positive momentum may prove to be too much for RB Leipzig to overcome.
Written by
Oliver Thomas