Borussia Dortmund begin their 2026-27 DFB-Pokal campaign away to HEBC in the first round tonight.
Die Borussen visit the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, just days after beating Hamburger SV in their Bundesliga opener.
Serhou Guirassy and Giannis Konstantelias scored a goal apiece to hand them a 2-0 victory, and a winning start to the league season.
Niko Kovac's side now hope to channel that momentum into the cup, where they haven't won the title since 2021.
The manager has revealed that he will be resting many of the first-team stars, meaning the substitutes, including the reserve players, might get a chance tonight.
Here's how they could start:
Goalkeeper
Alex Meyer is confirmed to start in goal for BVB as first-choice goalkeeper Gregor Kobel will be rested for this one. The match is also special for Meyer because the custodian returns to his hometown.
Defense
Nico Schlotterbeck remains a long-term absentee whereas Ramy Bensebaini is suspended for two domestic cup games for his red card in the Supercup loss to Bayern last month.
With Waldemar Anton also likely to be rested, Kovac could pick Luca Reggiani for a rare start tomorrow with Filippo Mane and Kaua Prates also in line.
Summer signing Joane Gadou is another option and could come in if Reggiani doesn't start.
Midfield
Wholesale changes are expected in midfield too with both Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nemcha both likely to start on the bench.
New arrival Joey Veerman is likely to get his first start with the club tomorrow, while Enzo Duarte, who signed a long-term contract with the club after a solid preseason, is also in line for a place alongside the Dutchmman.
We haven't seen Muasa Kaba since the preseason but may finally do again tomorrow with Maximilian Beier likely to start on the left side of their attack as he did last time out.
Attack
With Giannis Konstantelias out for several months, Dortmund signed Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the season but the match comes a bit too soon as the player is yet to officially be announced.
Konstantinos Karetsas though, could be starting once again as the Greek gun has made a positive impact in his BVB spell so far.
He could be joined by Mathis Albert, who has been frozen out since the preason, while Fabio Silva starts in attack in place of Serhou Guirassy.
Dortmund's predicted XI: Alexander Meyer; Luca Reggiani, Filippo Mane, Kaua Prates; Mussa Kaba, Enzo Duarte, Joey Veerman, Maximilian Beier; Konstantinos Karetsas, Mathis Alber; Fabio Silva.
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