Preview, 29 January matches
The DFB Cup is the shortest way into Europe, but the round of 16 won't be an easy one for the Bundesliga's leading teams.
Wuppertaler SV - FC Bayern
Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern will be without German internationals Marcell Jansen (rehab) and Lukas Podolski (disc prolapse). Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andreas Ottl are doubtful.
"The first match is always important to get going and find the rhythm. I'm convinced that we'll go through", FCB coach ottmar Hitzfeld said.
"We mustn't underestimate Wuppertal and have to play concentrated. We saw in Burghausen in the first round how difficult matches at Regional League sides can be", goalkeeper Oliver Kahn warned.
WSV are first in the Regional League North (third flight) and have already eliminated FC Erzgebirge Aue and Hertha BSC.
The underdogs will play the match in Schalke's Veltins Arena. More than 50,000 tickets were sold in Wuppertal alone.
1899 Hoffenheim - FC Hansa Rostock
Hoffenheim have beaten 2. Bundesliga rivals FC Augsburg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth in previous rounds.
"It's a special game, all players are really looking forward to the match", Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick commented.
Bundesliga side Hansa have bagged a whopping 14 goals in the two previous rounds.
Gledson is suspended after his first-round sending off for VfB Stuttgart, and Kai Bülow is injured. "We're favourites to go through because we are the top-flight team", coach Frank Pagelsdorf insisted.
Alemannia Aachen - TSV 1860 München
Alemannia have a reputation for cup heroics, and they've already dumped out Bundesliga side VfL Bochum.
New coach Jürgen Seeberger will be on the bench during a competitive match for the first time.
TSV 1860 will have to make do without Antonio Di Salvo, Berkant Göktan, Markus Thorandt, Mate Ghvinianidze and Markus Schroth.
"It's a heated atmosphere at the Tivoli. Our chances increase the longer we'll keep it goalless", 1860 skipper Danny Schwarz commented.
Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen
Werder have a score to settle with BVB after losing 3-0 in Dortmund in the first half of the Bundesliga season.
Brazilian playmaker Diego has recovered from injury in time to face the Black-Yellows.
BVB are sweating over the fitness of Mladen Petric (hip), but goalkeeper Alexander Frei will be back in the squad for the first time since May.
"We have a great chance to qualify for Europe through the DFB Cup", German international Sebastian Kehl said.
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