Three days after beating them 2-1 at home in the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart face 1. FSV Mainz 05 again – at the Mewa Arena this time – in the second round of the DFB Cup on Wednesday evening (18:00 CET). “I think they’ll go on the attack at their own stadium tomorrow,” Sebastian Hoeneß said of Die Nullfünfer at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
Regardless of how the hosts approach the tie, the VfB boss is expecting a demanding encounter. “Playing in Mainz is always uncomfortable and difficult,” he said. “It’s a cup tie and it’s all about being ready when it matters. We want to take heart from the fact that we always came through these types of games unscathed last season.”
Fabian Bredlow to start in goal
Hoeneß has already confirmed one member of his starting XI. Having been the only player to keep his place in the team on Sunday following the UEFA Europa League tie at Fenerbahçe, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel is set to make way for Fabian Bredlow, who has deputised on a number of occasions in the cup in recent years. “Fabi is in good form and has always proven that he can be relied upon,” Hoeneß explained.
Mittelstädt doubtful
Other than that, the 43-year-old was keeping his cards close to his chest as far as his team selection is concerned. “I know it’s an exciting subject, but our first game against Mainz was less than 48 hours ago and I haven’t made any final decisions yet,” he said.
Justin Diehl and Ermedin Demirovic are still sidelined, while Maximilian Mittelstädt remains a doubt. “He got a bruise in Istanbul which is causing him discomfort,” revealed Hoeneß. “We’ll decide after our final training session whether it makes sense for him to play.”