'A special incentive': Women ahead of DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie

Tickets for the knockout match under floodlights are available online HERE or at the matchday ticket office on the day of the game. The match will be broadcast live on Werkself TV and the Bayer 04 YouTube channel. Commentary will be provided by Niko Hartmann and midfielder Paulina Bartz, who is currently in rehab training.

The favourites ahead of the second clash between Leverkusen and Potsdam is similar to the situation for the home game in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The team fourth in the league (on 23 points) plays the team bottom of the table (one point). For the coach Roberto Pätzold, that is no reason to underestimate the newly promoted club. "In the previous games we have found the right approach against every team. But last time against Potsdam we needed two set pieces to score three goals," he said: "They showed against Wolfsburg how difficult it is to score goals against them from open play. So there is no reason to underestimate them. We didn't let that happen in the first Pokal tie in Karlsruhe either."

The 45-year-old coach recalled a reason for the previous games in the season for the Werkself: "We produce a very serious approach on the pitch in every game and the players know that's why we’re successful. And we will be successful in this game too by displaying our virtues and principles."

It could be interesting to see to what extent the tactical approach of the two teams differs from the last meeting. "That's all speculation. Perhaps Potsdam will take more risks because it's all about going through at the end of the day," said Pätzold: "If we produce that and lots more of the things that have made us strong recently then the probability is very high that we will win the game."

If the Werkself do overcome Potsdam then once again there is the chance to achieve great things in the DFB Pokal this season. "You need the least number of wins to win the Pokal. The prospect of only having two games left to go to the final is a special incentive that can give you extra strength," said Pätzold: "That should make every player, also looking at our performances in the Hinrunde to date, aware of what is possible."

Pätzold on returnee Friedrich: "that's really good for us"

Central defender Melissa Friedrich returned to the squad after several months on the sidelines for the 1-0 win in Leipzig. "We'll have to consider how much time on the pitch is sensible for her. But she wouldn't have been in the squad in Leipzig if she wasn't a real option," said Pätzold: She gives the team a certain spirit with her experience, professionalism and mentality. That's really good for us.”

Still absent are Sofia Cava Marin (cruciate), Synne Skinnes Hansen (thigh) and Vanessa Haim (back problem) plus Loreen Bender (tonsillitis). Bartz, who is a co-commentator on the live stream, continues in rehab training and will only return in the New Year.

Werkself Live for the matchday is here: