Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 18/08/25

Borussia Dortmund are set to kick-off their DFB-Pokal journey with an away trip to third-tier side Rot-Weiss Essen at Stadion an der Hafenstrasse on Monday. The visitors are aiming to secure a sixth title in the competition’s history with a win in their first match.

Essen have already begun their 3. Liga season and are sitting in mid-table after two games. Dortmund are stepping into their first official fixture of the 2025-26 campaign. Both clubs are entering with contrasting expectations, but the knockout nature of the cup adds intrigue.

Let the games begin! 🔜🙌 pic.twitter.com/97UWDmQGVb
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) August 17, 2025

Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Preview

Rot-Weiss Essen

The hosts are coming into this clash unbeaten in their first two league games. However, defensive frailties remain evident. They have scored in five straight outings but have gone six games without a clean sheet. Uwe Koschinat’s men have also failed to progress beyond the first round of the DFB-Pokal for two consecutive seasons.

This includes a heavy defeat to RB Leipzig last year. Despite their struggles, Essen are unbeaten in 11 home matches. Midfielders Tom Moustier and Klaus Gjasula expected to anchor play behind forwards Ahmet Arslan, Torben Musel, and Dominik Martinovic. A back three of Jose-Enrique Ríos Alonso, Michael Schultz, and Tobias Kraulich is likely to provide defensive cover.

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Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund are arriving under new head coach Niko Kovac. He replaced Nuri Sahin earlier this year. After finishing fourth in last season’s Bundesliga, BVB are entering the campaign looking to improve on their mixed recent Pokal record. They have not lifted the trophy since 2021. Pre-season and Club World Cup matches gave them solid preparation. They’re boasting five wins and a draw in their last eight games.

Serhou Guirassy, who netted 34 goals last season, is expected to lead the line alongside Karim Adeyemi. Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck are currently sidelined. Meanwhile, Filippo Mane, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini may form the defensive unit. Marcel Sabitzer should operate deep in midfield, supported by Pascal Gross and Jobe Bellingham.

Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Over/ Under Predictions

Total Goals Over 4.5 @ +205 as per BetMGM:

Bookmakers are presenting surprisingly bullish odds for over 4.5 goals in this fixture. Dortmund arrive as overwhelming favorites, boasting a potent attack after scoring 71 Bundesliga goals last season. Essen, despite a respectable unbeaten home run, have conceded in six straight matches. This leaves their defense highly exposed. The contrast in class and Dortmund’s aggressive pre-season form, which includes a strong showings at the Club World Cup, support expectations of a high-scoring clash.

Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Player Pick

Serhou Guirassy to score anytime @ +208 as per FanDuel:

Serhou Guirassy has been in sensational form since last season. He netted 38 goals across all competitions in 2024–25. He has also added 13 in his last 11 outings. His prolific output, especially in Europe and domestic competitions. This underlines his threat level against a porous Essen backline. Betting on him to score anytime at around +208 is firmly backed by his scoring momentum and positional prominence in Kovac’s side.

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Rot-Weiss Essen vs Borussia Dortmund Predictions

Given the vast quality gulf, it’s hard to envision anything but a dominant Dortmund display. Guirassy’s red-hot scoring form, paired with Kovac’s high-octane lineup, suggests multiple goals are coming. Rot-Weiss Essen’s defensive vulnerabilities and concession of goals in six consecutive matches reinforce that scenario.

Final Prediction: Rot-Weiss Essen 0-5 Borussia Dortmund

Combine Dortmund’s pre-season rhythm and international campaign readiness with Essen’s mid-table 3. Liga standing. It points to a comprehensive away win, with a 0-5 final scoreline looking well within reach.

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.