REF’s picks

Paderborn and Stuttgart meet in the DFB-Pokal with both sides carrying recent injury concerns and seeking consistency, making Over 2.5 goals at 1.56 a compelling selection. Stuttgart hold the historical upper hand in head-to-head clashes, but Paderborn's recent upturn in domestic form suggests they can contribute to an open cup tie. Expect both teams to push forward, though defensive lapses could easily lead to a high-scoring encounter.

1. 1Stuttgart possess superior individual quality in attack despite a few notable absentees in their squad.
2. 2Paderborn have shown more attacking intent lately, having recently secured valuable league points.
3. 3Cup fixtures often open up defensively as matches progress, but lingering fatigue from recent Bundesliga fixtures could affect concentration.

REF's own opinion, not a guarantee — nothing here is financial or betting advice, and the call is always yours.