HEBC vs Borussia Dortmund - DFB Pokal

When HEBC and Borussia Dortmund clash at the home ground on September 1, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a DFB Pokal fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

In the DFB Pokal table, HEBC currently occupy 59th and Borussia Dortmund sit 7th, and the context adds genuine weight to what is already an intriguing fixture. HEBC will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position - which then resulted in the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

The tactical subplot is compelling: HEBC favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Borussia Dortmund are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman P. Tietz — 4 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The Premier League champions have been looking for a new defender with William Saliba out for an extended period of time and Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a long-term groin problem.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. On balance, Borussia Dortmund may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.