Holstein Kiel produced one of the greatest shocks in German football history in the last round, defeating the reigning champions Bayern Munich after a 2-2 draw after extra time resulted in a penalty shoot-out, with the second tier side coming out on top.

The Storks actually reached the quarter-final of this competition as recently as 2011-12, when they lost 4-0 to the eventual champions of that year in the shape of Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Werner is the man looking to take the club to that stage of the German cup once again, with his side actually being favourites to do so against a Darmstadt outfit currently lying nine places below them in the 2.Bundesliga.

Holstein Kiel came out on top in a 2-0 win against Darmstadt as recently as last Sunday, showcasing their credentials of gaining promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's history.

Darmstadt, meanwhile, competed in the Bundesliga as recently as the 2016-17 season, but have failed to return in their three seasons since.

A fifth-placed finish in the 2.Bundesliga last season appeared to suggest things were heading on the right track once more, but Markus Anfang's side currently lie in 12th positon in the table, just four points ahead of the relegation zone.

The cup is providing a welcome distraction for their players and fans alike, then, with solid victories at Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden in the previous rounds taking them to this stage.

As the defeat last weekend showed, though, Holstein Kiel are set to provide a much sterner test on Tuesday.

Holstein Kiel DFB-Pokal form: WW
Holstein Kiel form (all competitions): DWLWDW

SV Darmstadt 98 DFB-Pokal form: WW
SV Darmstadt 98 form (all competitions): LLLLWD

Team News

Holstein Kiel tend to operate with a 4-1-4-1 system, with Fin Bartels perhaps the main danger man for Darmstadt to watch from the right flank having scored against Bayern in the previous round.

Fabian Reese, who scored in the recent win against Darmstadt, will be competing with Joshua Mees for a spot on the other flank.

Darmstadt, meanwhile, should match their opponents up in terms of formation.

Serdar Dursun is the side's top goalscorer with nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions this season.

Holstein Kiel possible starting lineup:
Gelios; Dehm, Wahl, Thesker, Van den Bergh; Bartels, Bieler, Meffert, Porath, Mees; Lee

SV Darmstadt 98 possible starting lineup:
Schuhen; Herrmann, Hohn, Mal, Holland; Skarke, Schnellhardt, Rapp, Mehlem, Honsak; Dursun

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We say: Holstein Kiel 2-1 SV Darmstadt 98

We can envisage Holstein Kiel getting the better of their opponents here, with their fairytale cup run lasting another round at least.

There are 13 points and nine places between these sides in the second tier of German football, so the hosts will be devastated if they pass up this golden opportunity.

Top betting tip

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