Mission quarter-final

At Monday's press conference, there was still a tinge of disappointment in the air, after Hertha Berlin's last-gasp equaliser against 1899 on Saturday. For the third time in their last three home games, TSG conceded a late goal, denying them three points. Hertha's manager Markus Babbel was actually sacked yesterday, despite the good result his team had achieved on the previous day. But Hoffenheim have only to concentrate on their own affairs at present. “We had Hertha where we wanted them. We should have scored the second, and then the game would have been safe”, reflected Stani regretfully. “Sadly we didn't manage it. But we've moved on and we're ready for this game in the cup.”

Improving Augsburg

TSG will be looking to erase the memories of Saturday with a win tomorrow, but they come up against an Augsburg side in good form. “Augsburg have got stronger in the last few weeks; they're much more competitive in their games”, warned Stanislawski. The Bavarian newcomers to the Bundesliga have taken seven points from their last four league games, and are on a two match unbeaten run, which has lifted them from the foot of the table. With a winter break to recharge their batteries, many people would now be hesitant to tip Augsburg to make a return to the 2. Bundesliga after just one season.

Vorsah available

Hoffenheim's predicament is a little more secure than that of his side's opponents tomorrow evening. The Sinsheim outfit currently occupy 9th place with 22 points on the board, and have a six-point cushion over the relegation places. But progress in the cup would surely give the club a great boost heading into the winter break. Roberto Firmino and Andreas Beck are rated as doubtful with niggling injuries, but Edson Braafheid may return. The Dutchman was sidelined with an ankle injury, and then given compassionate leave after a family bereavement. Andreas Ibertsberger, Matthias Jaissle, Chinedu Obasi and Marvin Compper are also missing, but Isaac Vorsah will also be available for selection, despite his red card against Hertha. The Ghanaian international defender was given a three-match ban by the DFB today, but is only suspended from playing in the Bundesliga.

Stats and Facts

Cup meetings between Hoffenheim and Augsburg have been rare encounters in recent years. Their last meeting was in the 2007-08 season, when 1899 were 4-2 victors after extra time. When both teams were in the third division, however, they met frequently with Augsburg having the better record: six wins and one draw from eight games. Hoffenheim had the better of the matches when the two teams competed in the 2. Bundesliga and, of course, won the last meeting in August by a 2-0 scoreline. Ryan Babel and Sejad Salihovic were the goalscorers that day.

Match facts and statistics »