1899 head to Nürnberg for cup tie

"We'll decide who's playing after training," said Rangnick. "I need to see who's on form and who still has the energy." Captain Per Nilsson is set to return to the back four against 'Der Club' having impressing the manager in training in recent weeks, while Marco Terrazzino and new signing Jukka Raitala are battling it out for the final place in the squad. "We want to get through and we're taking the match very seriously," explained the Hoffenheim supremo. Brazilian playmaker Carlos Eduardo is particularly looking forward to to the cup match: "We want to have a good run in the cup because it's the easiest way to qualify for Europe." The 22-year-old midfielder also received praise from his coach: "Carlos is in excellent shape and in superb form."

Both sides overcame their first round opponents with relative ease. Nürnberg beat Dynamo Dresden comfortably 3-0, while Hoffenheim grabbed two second half goals against FC Oberneuland to win 2-0 and book their place in round two. "Of course there will be one or two changes, but we already made that clear," said Nürnberg coach Michael Oenning on his squad rotation policy. Indeed, the Bavarian side will be playing three games in just six days as VfL Bochum arrive at the easyCredit-Stadion when the Bundesliga action resumes on Friday.

Morale at 1899 is high and is sure to get even better with a cup win on Tuesday.