Markus Gisdol: "We've been warned!"

Markus Gisdol on…

…the opposition:

FSV Frankfurt are dangerous away from home; they have won their last two matches. We are aware of the threat they pose and are taking the game very seriously. Cup games aren't won on paper. We need to be at our best for 90 minutes and make sure they don't counter and create many chances. We need to make sure they don't score. We're prepared for the match, it will be tight. We will need to be at our best if we want to progress.

...Vincenzo Grifo:

It's always good to see how loan players are fitting in with their new clubs. Vincenzo will definitely develop whilst in Frankfurt. He has a good shot and can take a good set piece. It will be good to see him again, but I hope he only starts to score goals after our game has ended.

…the personnel:

We'll decide what team we are going to put out after training. This competition is important to us. We want to remain in it for as long as possible. The team I pick will be good enough to qualify for the next round.

…the current situation at TSG:

The team have performed very consistently so far – regardless of the opposition. I have been happy with the performances and the rewards they have brought. The boys are playing well together but we need to tighten up a bit more at the back and take more of our chances. It's good that we can rotate our forwards. Sven Schipplock is returning to fitness. Adam Szalai and Anthony Modeste are looking good in training. It's a pleasure to see them all performing so well.

Past meetings:

Wednesday will be the first time that the teams have met in competitive football. The only link between the sides is midfielder Vincenzo Grifo, who is on loan at Frankfurt from TSG.

The opposition:

FSV Frankfurt provide Markus Gisdol's side with a tricky clash. The side from Hesse have had a mixed season so far, including five games without victory but have bounced back with a 3-0 win over SV Sandhausen as well as a 5-2 victory away to SpVgg Greuther Fürth. They currently lie in 13th place in the second tier.

Key battles:

Vincenzo Grifo, on loan from Hoffenheim, is the heartbeat of Frankfurt's midfield. The Italian grabbed a hat-trick in the victory over Fürth. His development at Frankfurt is of interest to Hoffenheim, who are fully aware of the threat he poses to them. The whole Frankfurt team are on a good run of form recently. TSG are wary of the threat posed by the opposition and won't underestimate them.

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