Preview: Part one of double-header

Preview: Part one of double-headerEintracht versus Hamburg, take one. We preview the DFB-Pokal tie that is the first of two meetings between the two clubs in the space of less than a week. BackdropAs the Bundesliga fixture list and DFB-Pokal draw would have it, Eintracht face Hamburger SV twice within a few days: in the second round of the cup on Tuesday 27 October at the Volksparkstadion, and then again five days later for Bundesliga Matchday 8 on Sunday 1 November at Deutsche Bank Park.Both teams lost 1-0 away in the league at the weekend, but came away from it with different feelings. Eintracht held Dortmund in check for much of the match and took plenty of positives and even a dose of self-confidence back to Frankfurt with them. There was discontent at Hamburg, however, after what was a “very frustrating day” and “not a good performance at all”, according to HSV’s Miro Muheim, speaking after their defeat to promoted side SC Paderborn. Despite the loss in Dortmund, Eintracht were very much looking on the bright side. “We put in a brave performance in the first half and we’re on the right track. I can see signs of progress,” said head coach Adi Hütter, with sporting director Timmo Hardung adding “we’re trending in the right direction”. Captain Robin Koch summarised: “We did well for long periods of the match. I can’t fault the team.”The sides are now set to face one another in the cup. “It’s knockout football and everyone’s going to be up for it,” said Elias Baum. “We’re away from home and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve proved that we can hurt any opponents and we’ll be taking that mindset into the match.” 1990 World Cup winner Uwe Bein, who played for both clubs during his career, commented: “I’m heading to Hamburg on 27 October. I was involved in plenty of cup ties up there and Eintracht always seemed to come out on top, so that might be a good omen.” “Make it through to the next round”The last time the teams met in the Bundesliga in May, Eintracht lost 2-1 at home, but they are unbeaten in seven trips to Hamburg in all competitions. And as Hardung put it: “We want to make it through to the next round on Tuesday.”