Two questions remain: how HSV could line up in Verl | OneFootball

For weeks, HSV have been working toward exactly this day: On Monday evening, the Hanseatic club visit SC Verl in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

Their last competitive match, a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen on matchday 34 of last season, was more than three months ago by now. Since then, a lot has happened. HSV have already signed six new players this summer, with more expected to follow. At the same time, key regulars like Luka Vuskovic and Ransford Königsdörffer left the club.

Despite all the changes, a possible first-choice XI has taken shape in recent weeks. Unsurprisingly, Daniel Heuer Fernandes remains the established number one in goal. In the cup, however, Merlin Polzin is putting his trust in the highly talented backup Sander Tangvik. Heuer Fernandes will have to start on the bench for now, five days before the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Dortmund on August 29.

The situation at right wing-back is much clearer. As long as the club have not found the reinforcement they are looking for, Bakery Jatta has no competition. In central defense, meanwhile, Nicolas Capaldo (right) and Jordan Torunarigha (left) are undisputed starters. New signing Sebastiaan Bornauw will take Vuskovic’s place in the middle of the back line. There is also fresh impetus on the left: with Miro Muheim injured, breakout talent Louis Lemke wants to build on the strong impression he made in preseason.

Photo: IMAGO

Exciting HSV battle for the center-forward spot

In front of the defense, the roles are clearly defined. Just as last season, new captain Nicolai Remberg and his deputy Sambi Lokonga are untouchable. New arrivals Kofi Amoako and Bilal Nadir must first prove themselves as challengers. Ahead of Remberg and Lokonga, Albert Grønbaek is a nailed-on starter. The Dane had an outstanding preseason and, in the absence of Fabio Vieira, is clearly the main orchestrator of HSV’s play. The Frenchmen Martin Adeline and Rayan Philippe are competing for the spot alongside him.

It also remains open who will come out on top in central attack. Since Terem Moffi is not yet an option against Verl, it looks set to be a duel between Yussuf Poulsen and Patson Daka. In the friendlies, Poulsen mostly had the edge, while Daka could provide fresh impetus as a substitute. The same applies to Otto Stange, who is a promising option both as a number nine and in the role behind the strikers.

HSV’s expected starting XI at a glance: Tangvik – Jatta, Capaldo, Bornauw, Torunarigha, Lemke – Remberg, Lokonga, Grønbaek, Adeline – Poulsen

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.