On the day after the exact fixture dates and kick-off times for Bundesliga matchday 15 through 22 were set, the exact schedule for the DFB-Cup 'Round of 16' has now also been announced. In the race for a quarter-final spot, VfB travel to fellow Bundesliga opponents 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Tuesday, December 19th (kick-off 18:30 CET). The game will mark the end of competitive action for the Wasenelf in 2017.
Thus far in the competition, VfB have progressed past FC Energie Cottbus and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The side from the Rhine-Hessen region have eliminated Lüneburger SK and Holstein Kiel.