Darmstadt 98 98 faces a significant challenge in the DFB-Pokal as the Lilies travel to Europa-Park Stadion on Wednesday to take on SC Freiburg. The second-division side hopes for a cup upset and a place in the quarter-finals against their Bundesliga opponents. The match promises excitement as both teams approach the duel with different circumstances.

SC Freiburg, under the guidance of Julian Schuster, showed top form over the weekend, comfortably dispatching Mainz with a 4-0 victory. Goals from Lukas Kübler, Vincenzo Grifo, Johan Manzambi, and Patrick Osterhage secured the win, propelling Freiburg to eighth place in the Bundesliga standings. The Breisgau side is thus full of confidence.

However, Darmstadt 98 98, also known as the Lilies, is not without a chance as they head to South Baden. The 2. Bundesliga team boasts strong away form, with only one loss in their last five away matches. They currently sit fifth in the 2. Bundesliga and are firmly in the promotion race, just two points behind Elversberg.

On SC Freiburg's side, Julian Schuster will continue to be without Cyriaque Irie and Eren Dinkci. Jordy Makengo is also dealing with a muscle issue. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is expected to return later this month after a long battle with injury.

For Darmstadt 98 98, Fraser Hornby is likely to miss the clash. Right-back Sergio Lopez is also a doubt after being forced off against Elversberg on Sunday. The exact composition of the starting eleven will therefore be a crucial decision for both coaches to ensure the best possible performance on the pitch.

The predicted lineups for the DFB-Pokal clash are as follows: Freiburg might start in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Atubolu; Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Günter; Eggestein, Osterhage; Beste, Manzambi, Grifo; Höler. Darmstadt 98 98 is expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 with Schuhen; Pfeiffer, Vukotic, Maglica; Bader, Klefisch, Akiyama, Nürnberger; Richter, Corredor; Lidberg.

This DFB-Pokal match is an excellent opportunity for Darmstadt 98 98 to showcase themselves on a big stage and keep their quarter-final dream alive. The David vs. Goliath battle promises an exciting encounter at Europa-Park Stadion.