Borussia Dortmund visit Hamburg to face HEBC in the first round of the 2026-27 DFB-Pokal later tonight in a match that's billed as David versus Goliath.
While the BVB are launching a fresh bid for their sixth trophy in the competition, HEBC are making their first appearance since 1935.
The Hamburg minnows scripted history by clinching their first ever Hamburg Cup in May this year and it paved their way here, ending a nine-decade long wait for Pokal return.
HEBC's reward was a daunting fixture against one of the giants of Bundesliga, as Dortmund come to town in a seemingly lopsided fixture against the fifth-tier side.
Here's what to look forward to in the clash:
1) Alex Meyer returns to his hometown
Dortmund goalkeeper Alex Meyer is set for an emotional return to his hometown Hamburg, and is confirmed to start for the side tonight. He will be replacing first-choice custodian Gregor Kobel, who will be rested from the game like many other first-team stars.
Born just 30kms from tonight's venue, Meyer began his journey in football with youth sides in Hamburg whilst also being a ballboy at the Volksparkstadion once. But tonight, he returns to his old stomping ground as a first-team player for the first time in a huge personal milestone.
2) A back-three of young guns
Speaking of defense, it's not just the goalkeeping position that will see a change tonight. Niko Kovac is likely to field a completely new back-three to the one that we saw against Bayern Munich and Hamburg.
Out-of-favor Luca Reggiani could get a rare chance to prove his value in the side while Filippo Mane, who had an excellent preseason, might start for the first time this season. Joining them would be another new arrival, Kaua Prates.
3) Silva's chance to shine
Dortmund's No.1 striker Serhou Guirassy is also likely to start from the bench with his backup Fabio Silva to lead the line for them tonight. The Portuguese would have a bright chance to prove himself yet again, having struck once already this season.
He, too, was a revelation for the BVB during the preseason with a series of commanding displays before scoring the only goal of a 2-1 loss to Bayern in the Supercup this month. But with Guirassy starting both their games this season, Silva isn't their first choice yet.
Tonight, he could give Kovac some more food for thought with a strong performance.
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