This Saturday, Eintracht Frankfurt faces RB Leipzig in a crucial Bundesliga clash at Deutsche Bank Park.
The stakes are high for Frankfurt, who are vying for a top-six finish and a spot in next season's Europa League. Here's a detailed preview and prediction for this exciting matchup.
Team Form and News
Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt enters this match needing at least a draw to secure sixth place, which could potentially lead to a Champions League spot depending on Borussia Dortmund's performance in this year's final.
Despite a shaky second half of the season, winning only three of their last 14 games, Frankfurt's home form remains solid with just two losses in 16 home matches.
Key players to watch include top scorer Omar Marmoush and defender Robin Koch, who has been called up to Germany's Euro 2024 squad.
However, they will miss loanees Sasa Kalajdzic and Donny van de Beek due to injuries.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig, guaranteed a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification, aim to match their highest-ever points total.
They are on an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, showcasing their offensive prowess with notable victories.
Strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda have been in stellar form, the latter scoring 24 goals this season.
However, Leipzig will miss midfielder Xaver Schlager and possibly Dani Olmo due to injuries.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these teams saw Frankfurt secure a 1-0 win at Leipzig, thanks to an early goal from Ansgar Knauff.
Historically, Leipzig has struggled at Deutsche Bank Park, not winning any of their last eight visits.
Prediction
Given Frankfurt's motivation to secure a Europa League spot/potential Champions League spot and their strong home record, they are likely to edge out Leipzig.
However, Leipzig’s attacking duo of Sesko and Openda are expected to pose significant threats.
Our Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 RB Leipzig
FAQ
What is the significance of the Frankfurt vs RB Leipzig match? This match is crucial for Eintracht Frankfurt as they need at least a draw to secure a top-six finish in the Bundesliga and potentially qualify for next season's Europa League/Champions League depending on if Dortmund win this year's final.
When and where is the match taking place? The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt am Main.
What are the current forms of both teams? Frankfurt has won only three of their last 14 league games but has a strong home record, losing just two of 16 home matches this season. Leipzig is on an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and has already secured a fourth-place finish.
What was the result of their last meeting? In their last meeting in January, Frankfurt secured a 1-0 victory at Leipzig with an early goal from Ansgar Knauff.
Which key players are missing for both teams? Frankfurt will be without loanees Sasa Kalajdzic and Donny van de Beek due to injuries, along with young defender Nnamdi Collins. Leipzig will miss midfielder Xaver Schlager and potentially playmaker Dani Olmo.
Who are the players to watch in this match? For Frankfurt, top scorer Omar Marmoush and defender Robin Koch are key players. Leipzig's offensive threats include strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, the latter having scored 24 goals this season.
How have Leipzig historically performed at Deutsche Bank Park? Leipzig has struggled in their visits to Deutsche Bank Park, not winning any of their last eight matches there, including a 4-0 loss in September 2022.
