Both teams are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 — the brief confirms that for both sides. Braunschweig's shape is built around a double pivot of Di Benedetto and Flick, shielding the back four and letting the front four — Opoku, Marie, Sturm and Urbich — roam and create. They'll look to press high, feed off the energy of the home crowd, and hit Bochum on the transition. The return of Hoti at the back adds composure, and with Aydin and Di Michele Sanchez bombing forward, they have width when they need it.

Bochum's 4-2-3-1 is more about structure and discipline. With Mets and Steinwender at centre-back, they've got experience and physicality. The double pivot of Cokaj and Pannewig will sit deep, screen the defence, and try to slow Braunschweig's rhythm. Miyoshi, Taz and Holtmann give them creativity and pace on the break — Holtmann especially, after impressing off the bench last week. This is a side that will happily cede possession and look to hit on the counter, or nick a set-piece goal.

The midfield battle is the key. Braunschweig's double pivot vs Bochum's double pivot — a real dogfight in the middle of the park. If Braunschweig can dominate that area, they'll control the game. But Bochum's midfield is built to frustrate, to break up play, and to launch quick attacks. Expect a lot of second balls, a lot of physical duels, and not a lot of clear-cut chances. This has the look of a game decided by one moment — or by nobody finding it.