Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | DFB-Pokal 2025-26

Essen will take on the Prussians in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

Borussia Dortmund will travel to Rot-Weiss Essen in the first round of the DFB Pokal, as the resurgent Bundesliga giants look to pick up where they left off towards the end of last season. Rot-Weiss Essen is currently playing in the third division of the German Football System. Last season they finished eighth in the table, and will hope to have a better season this time.

The home team have already played two league games and both of those games ended in draws. This upcoming clash will be a huge one for the home side, as they will host the Yellow & Blacks in a major cup competition. There is a big difference in the quality of both of these sides, but despite that, the home team is capable enough to make things difficult.

Last season was full of ups and downs for Borussia Dortmund, but somehow they were able to get back and end their season in a positive way. Nico Kovac hopes that he can lead this team to win some titles this season. He will have a huge pressure of expectations on him.

They will play their first competitive match of the season in the DFB Pokal and will hope to get the win and go into the next round. This will be an exciting clash for sure.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Essen, Germany
• Stadium: Stadion Essen
• Date: Tuesday, 19 August
• Kick-Off Time: 12:15 AM IST
• Referee: Frank Willenborg
• VAR: In Use

Form

Rot-Weiss Essen (in all competitions): D-D-L-W-L

Borussia Dortmund (in all competitions): L-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Dominik Martinovic (Rot-Weiss Essen)

Martinovic is a typical striker upfront who always looks to make in-behind runs and is a player who is present at the right position at the right time. Physically, he is strong enough to bully defenders and is quite decent at winning duels. He has been part of Germany and Croatia’s youth international teams and is a key player for Essen.

He will have to be at his best to make sure he can make a difference on the pitch.

Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)

Guirassy is a complete forward, who has pace, physicality, high game intelligence and is a clinical finisher inside the box. He is always well-positioned to get on the end of through balls and cut-backs, and his presence will often attract the attention of multiple defenders and thus open up space for other players to threaten on goal.

He’s a versatile forward who can easily adapt to his team’s requirements and tactics. Whether it’s a two-striker formation or as a lone striker, he’s been able to make an impact on the pitch. Last season, he performed exceptionally well, and he hopes to repeat it once again this season.

Match Facts

• Both teams will face each other in a competitive fixture after eight years.
• Rot-Weiss Essen currently play in the third tier of the German football system.
• Dortmund’s star player, Guirassy, has scored 13 times in his last 11 competitive matches.

Essen vs Borussia Dortmund: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Borussia Dortmund to win this fixture – 2/9 by bet365
• Tip 2- Serhou Guirassy to score anytime
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

Marek Janssen is ruled out due to a ligament injury and will be out for some weeks. The rest of the players are fit to play for the home side.

Emre Can, Niklas Sule, Julien Durancille and Nico Schlotterbeck are injured. The rest of the squad is fully fit to play the upcoming fixture.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 2

Rot-Weiss Essen: 1

Borussia Dortmund: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Rot-Weiss Essen Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2):

Wienand (GK); Alonso, Schlutz, Karulich; Safi, Moustier, Gjasula, Bouebari; Musel; Arslan, Martinovic

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):

Kobel (GK); Mane, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Grob, Bellingham, Sabitzer, Svensson; Guirassy, Beier

Match Prediction

Dortmund, despite being the away team, are clear favourites to win this match, as quality-wise they are a much better side. Maybe there will be some rotations for Dortmund, but despite that, it will be very difficult for the home team to get a good result. Most probably, the team in Yellow and Black will win this match.

Prediction: Rot-Weiss Essen 1-4 Borussia Dortmund

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Worldwide: DFB Play

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