Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Borussia Dortmund’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge to Bayern Munich could take a fatal hit if they falter against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park on Friday.
The visitors sit second with 32 points after a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach before the winter break, but they remain nine points adrift of Bayern. Meanwhile, seventh-placed Frankfurt have 25 points and trail the top four by four points, making this a pivotal clash for both sides.
Eintracht Frankfurt
The winter break arguably came at the wrong time for Frankfurt, who had begun to steady the ship with a win and a draw before the pause. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Hamburg, a result that underlined their attacking struggles despite improved resilience.
Prior to that, Dino Toppmöller’s men endured a poor run of three defeats in four matches, but overall, they have lost just once in their last nine Bundesliga games, winning four in that span. Still, goals have been hard to come by: Frankfurt have scored only four times in their last six matches and have managed more than one goal in a game just once across their previous 11 in all competitions.
Defensively, the Eagles have been vulnerable, conceding 30 goals—better only than the league’s bottom two. Yet, their home form offers hope: unbeaten in their last four Bundesliga fixtures at Deutsche Bank Park, with three wins in that sequence.
Team News
Jonathan Burkardt remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Michy Batshuayi is also out with a foot problem, leaving Frankfurt short of firepower.
Ansgar Knauff may continue as a makeshift striker, supported by Ritsu Doan and Mario Götze. Hugo Larsson and Mahmoud Dahoud could anchor midfield ahead of a back three featuring Nnamdi Collins, Robin Koch, and Arthur Theate.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund enter this clash in solid form, unbeaten in eight Bundesliga matches and seeking a sixth win in nine. They have tightened up defensively, keeping two clean sheets in their last four league games, while scoring nine goals in their previous five.
Despite their resurgence, Dortmund’s title hopes remain slim. A defeat on Friday would likely leave them 12 points behind Bayern and could see them slip within two points of fifth-placed Hoffenheim.
Niko Kovac’s side did beat Frankfurt on penalties in the DFB-Pokal in October, their third win in four meetings with the Eagles, and they are unbeaten in their last five away games in domestic competition, winning three.
Team News
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is a doubt due to illness, so Alexander Meyer may deputize. Nico Schlotterbeck should marshal the defense alongside Waldemar Anton and Emre Can.
Jobe Bellingham’s suspension opens the door for Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha in midfield, while Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, and Serhou Guirassy are expected to lead the attack.
Head-to-Head
Dortmund have dominated recent encounters, winning three of the last four meetings, including their DFB-Pokal triumph earlier this season.
However, Frankfurt’s back-to-back home wins over BVB before their relegation underline their ability to spring surprises at Deutsche Bank Park.
Conclusion
Frankfurt’s home resilience and Dortmund’s away form set the stage for a competitive contest.
The hosts’ lack of cutting edge could prove decisive, though, and with BVB in better rhythm, Kovac’s men are favorites to edge a tight affair and keep their faint title hopes alive.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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