Phonix Lubeck vs SC Paderborn – News and Probable Lineups

Phonix Lubeck will have the opportunity to test their capabilities against a Bundesliga side as they face SC Paderborn in the first round of the DFB Pokal this Sunday.

The visiting team is widely considered the overwhelming favorite for this match, potentially the only time they will bask in that status after their recent elevation to the top tier of German football.

Match overview

Phonix Lubeck has appointed Kevin Wolk as their new head coach this summer, and the 41-year-old has begun the new Regionalliga Nord season respectably.

The team is already four matches into the new season in the fourth tier, having gathered seven points, including two wins and three clean sheets.

They last triumphed in an impressive fashion, having dominated local opponents VfB Lubeck with a 4-0 victory, marking just their second derby win in five years.

This Sunday, Phonix will temporarily move to VfL Lubeck’s Stadion an der Lohmuhle for the DFB Pokal fixture, as their own stadium is not deemed adequate for such a significant match.

Returning to this competition for the first time since the 2024-25 season, Phonix was eliminated in the first round by Borussia Dortmund.

After barely missing promotion in the 2024/25 season, Paderborn continued their quest for Bundesliga status in the subsequent season under new manager Ralf Kettemann.

Ultimately, the club secured a third-place finish last season, which led to a promotion playoff showdown against Wolfsburg, who had ended their season in the bottom three of the top division.

A 2-1 victory in extra time allowed Paderborn to celebrate a third promotion to the Bundesliga in 12 years, but their current aim is to stay in the Bundesliga for more than one season – a feat they’ve yet to accomplish.

To maximize their chances of maintaining their status, the club has brought in 13 new signings during the summer, including the prominent £2m acquisition of left winger Gabriel Vidovic from Dinamo Zagreb.

Setting aside league pressures, Paderborn will strive to commence the season positively in the DFB Pokal – a tournament in which they reached the quarter-finals in 2018 and 2019.

Team News

Phonix has brought in new goalkeeper Christopher Barkmann; however, Tim Kips is anticipated to retain his position in the lineup.

New defenders Jannis Farr and Daniel Haritonov are also likely to feature, with the former currently boasting one of the highest individual market values in the squad.

For their offensive lineup, Kilian Skolik is expected to start following his move to Phonix from Kickers Offenbach.

On the visitors’ side, Paderborn is managing several injuries ahead of Sunday’s cup match.

Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is facing a knee injury, while Timur Gayret has a torn cruciate ligament.

Sebastian Klaas and Sven Michel are both dealing with adductor injuries, which means they will also miss out.

Phonix Lubeck probable starting XI:

Kips; Farr, Vollert, Haritonov, Markvoort; Kretzer, Maiolo, Rahimic; Ihde, Skolik, Stover

SC Paderborn probable starting XI:

Schubert; Horst, Scheller, Sticker; Curda, Ulrich, Castaneda, Obermair; Millgramm, Vidovic; Tigges

Phonix Lubeck will be riding high after their strong derby win last weekend; however, facing Bundesliga opposition presents a considerable challenge.

Paderborn may not often find themselves as favorites this season, but they are expected to capitalize on that role this Sunday. We predict the visitors will emerge victorious.