Match: DFB-Pokal
Fixture: Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund
Local Kick-off Time: 20:45 on August 18th
Handicap Prediction:
Borussia Dortmund -2 (Asian Handicap)
Away Win (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 0-4, 0-5, 1-5
Expected Goals: 4, 5, 6
Prediction & Comprehensive Analysis:
Rot-Weiss Essen have lingered in the middle of the 3. Liga table over the past two seasons, with extremely limited strength. After the first two rounds of the new season, Essen have drawn both matches. Although they achieved 6 wins and 1 loss in preseason friendlies, the strongest opponent they faced was Bundesliga side Augsburg, which is not on the same level as Dortmund. In the past two editions of the DFB-Pokal, Essen were eliminated in the first round; last season, they suffered a 1-4 thrashing by RB Leipzig and crashed out. Essen’s defense is a cause for concern, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive matches, and even with home advantage, their edge is minimal.
Borussia Dortmund last won the DFB-Pokal title in the 2020-21 season, and since then, they have progressed no further than the quarter-finals. Last season, after Niko Kovac took charge of the team, they ultimately finished fourth in the league under his leadership. Just one month after the league ended, they participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, remaining unbeaten in the group stage with 2 wins and 1 draw. After advancing, they defeated Monterrey but lost to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. They regrouped at the end of July and played three friendly matches, securing 2 wins and 1 loss with a strong performance, scoring as many as 12 goals through multiple scoring threats. The first round of the Bundesliga does not kick off until the 23rd, so Dortmund, facing an opponent two divisions lower, will use this match as ideal preparation for the new season.
Summary:
Asian bookmakers initially set the handicap at Borussia Dortmund -1.75, and the current handicap has risen to -2. Due to the significant strength gap between the two teams, this match is likely to be a one-sided affair. Dortmund have performed impressively in their recent friendly matches, and compared to Rot-Weiss Essen, there is little suspense surrounding this game. We are optimistic that Dortmund will secure a big win to advance.
