DFB-Pokal Semifinal: Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern Odds

Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern Odds

A team playing in the third tier of German football has never before won the DFB-Pokal. Saarbrücken are looking to change that as they’ve already beaten Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach on their way to the DFB-Pokal Semifinal. If Saarbrücken defeat FC Kaiserslautern on Tuesday, they’ll become the first third tier side to make the final for 23 years. Kaiserslautern are on an impressive run of their own, as the 2. Bundesliga side have knocked out the Bundesliga’s FC Köln. In a DFB-Pokal Semifinal match between lower league sides, we’ll preview the Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern odds.

Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern Head-to-Head

This is the first time Saarbrücken and Kaiserslautern are meeting on the DFB-Pokal schedule since a 4-0 Kaiserslautern win in the 1998 Second Round. The only meetings since then were 3. Liga matches between 2020 and 2022. Kaiserslautern went 3-1-0 in those matches and are on a three game winning streak vs. Saarbrücken. Those looking to bet on the Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern odds should note Saarbrücken are winless in the last six matchups. Saarbrücken’s last victory vs. Kaiserslautern was in 1993, in the Bundesliga.

Saarbrücken on Run of a Lifetime

Saarbrücken are currently behind Borussia Dortmund’s reserve team in the German 3. Liga standings. Even though Saarbrücken likely won’t be playing in the top flight of German soccer again any time soon, that hasn’t stopped them from going on a ridiculous run in the DFB-Pokal. Each and every one of Saarbrücken’s four wins in the DFB-Pokal has been an upset victory.

In the First Round, the team from the German state of Saarland took on second tier club Karlsruher. Kai Brünker scored a 90th minute winner for Saarbrücken to advance. That set up a second round matchup with Bayern Munich. When the hosts fell behind in the 16th minute, it looked like there might not be a way back for them vs. a dominant Bayern side. However, Patrick Sontheimer scored right before the end of the first half to put Saarbrücken level. Bayern had chance after chance but it didn’t matter, as Saarbrücken scored with both of their shots on target and Marcel Gaus’ winner came right at the death.

They followed that up with another win vs. a Bundesliga opponent. Last December, Saarbrücken defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the Round of 16 as Brünker scored a goal and registered an assist. Brünker was the hero once again in March’s 2-1 Quarter-Final victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach, as he scored a 93rd minute winner. The latest soccer betting odds list Saarbrücken at a +1600 price to win the DFB-Pokal but they deserve to be taken seriously, especially when playing at home, where all of their DFB-Pokal games have taken place.

Kaiserslautern Have Storied DFB-Pokal History

In the 2. Bundesliga, Kaiserslautern are facing a relegation battle. They are currently in 16th place, in the relegation play-off spot, and fell 3-1 to Fortuna Dusseldorf on Saturday. Kaiserslautern have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 games, in all competitions, and have conceded at least twice in five of their last eight games. While Saarbrucken have taken on three Bundesliga teams in the DFB-Pokal already, Kaiserslautern’s draw has been relatively favorable.

They met with neighbors Rot Weiss Koblenz in the First Round and managed to pick up an easy 5-0 victory last August. In the Second Round, Kaiserslautern went up 3-0 vs. FC Koln and eked out a 3-2 victory. Their next two matches were against fellow 2. Bundesliga sides FC Nürnberg and Hertha BSC. Kaiserslautern took down Nurnberg 2-0 in the Round of 16 and Hertha 2-1 in the Quarter-Final. Marlon Ritter is currently tied for second in the DFB-Pokal stats with three assists.

Kaiserslautern are not the team they once were but they do have a storied history in the DFB-Pokal. They’ve won the competition twice, most recently in 1996, and have made the final on five other occasions. If they’re able to win on Tuesday, it’d mark their first appearance in the DFB-Pokal Final for 21 years. This year, Ragnar Ache has been Kaiserslautern’s main man, with 15 goals overall, but he’s out injured for this one.

Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern Match Analysis & Odds

Neutral fans would love to see Saarbrücken’s fairytale run continue and the third tier club could meet with Bayer Leverkusen in the final if they’re able to get a win here. Meanwhile, a DFB-Pokal Final appearance for Kaiserslautern would be a major achievement given their poor form in the league. At the moment, the Saarbrücken vs Kaiserslautern odds price visitors Kaiserslautern as slight favorites.

Kaiserslautern come in at +145 moneyline odds, while bettors can take a 90 minute Saarbrücken win at +165. Saarbrücken do not typically lose at home, with just three losses in 18 matches at the Ludwigsparkstadion this season. Saarbrücken have been underdogs in each of their first four matches in this competition and have won all of them. Punters can back Saarbrücken pk at -110 odds or take Kaiserslautern pk at -120.

Kaiserslautern have won two road matches in this season’s DFB-Pokal but they’re just 2-4-7 away from home in the 2. Bundesliga. A draw stands at +240 odds for this one and would only add to the drama of Saarbrücken’s campaign. Both teams have scored at least twice in each of their DFB-Pokal games and over 2.5 goals show -120 odds for this one.

It’s relatively hard to bet against Saarbrücken pulling off another magic moment in front of their home fans. Currently, Kaiserslautern are favorites to qualify, at -120 odds, while bettors can take Saarbrucken to make their first DFB-Pokal Final at -110.

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