Wehen Wiesbaden vs. RB Leipzig preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Here is our preview of Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal first round clash between Wehen Wiesbaden and RB Leipzig, including predicted lineups.

After five wins in a row, defending DFB-Pokal champions RB Leipzig will be looking to continue their good form when they travel to Wiesbaden for their first German Cup challenge of the season.

“Wiesbaden are a tricky second-division opponent. We’ve won a lot of Pokal games in a row. It goes without saying that we want to keep the streak going, so we’re travelling to Hesse with a top team and the right attitude,” said RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose at his pre-match press conference.

However, Rose is also aware of the need to manage the workload of some of his players who have been playing a lot recently.

“There were some tired legs in the game against Gladbach. We’ve got to manage the workload in Wiesbaden so that we can play well against Bayern and Manchester City,” said Rose.

One of the players who will be in the starting lineup is Peter Gulacsi, who will be in goal for the first time since suffering a cruciate ligament rupture almost a year ago.

“We have a lot of confidence in Pete and his quality as a player. He’s looking forward to his comeback after almost a year on the sidelines. It’s an important moment considering the severity of the injury and his age. It’s also important for the team spirit,” said Rose.

Unlike Leipzig, Wehen Wiesbaden are in poor form, having lost two of their last four games in the 2. Bundesliga.

Wehen coach Markus Kauczinski knows it will be difficult on Wednesday, but points out that upsets do happen in the cup.

“It is a David vs. Goliath match. But history has shown that special games happen. We will do everything we can to make it as difficult as possible for Leipzig and want to make the most of our minimal chances. We won’t get many chances, and when we do, we have to be efficient.”

Click here to see our predicted Wiesbaden vs. RB Leipzig lineups.

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