Overview
The 2-1 victory in the Netherlands gave Frankfurt a big advantage before the second leg. They will play at home and only need a draw to advance.
Therefore, Frankfurt has reason to be confident in hosting Ajax, even though they are not playing well when they have lost 3/4 of their most recent matches. However, Frankfurt have met Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen in recent times, so it is understandable to lose. The important thing is that coach Dino Toppmoller's team does not lose their spirit.
Compared to Bayern or Leverkusen, Ajax is a much weaker opponent and playing at Deutsche Bank Park is a big advantage for Frankfurt. This season, they have only lost 3 home matches, with the rest being 10 wins and 4 draws.
In the Europa League arena, Frankfurt have not lost any group stage matches at home (won 3, drew 1). History also supports Frankfurt when according to statistics, Ajax have been eliminated in 8/9 recent European Cup knockout rounds in a losing situation at home in the first leg.
In the first leg, Ajax had home advantage and opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but they could not overwhelm Frankfurt and were came back. Ajax even let Frankfurt finish and created more dangerous opportunities.
Therefore, when they have to visit Germany, the opportunities for the Dutch team are even smaller. It would be no surprise if Frankfurt took advantage of their strengths to win and reach the quarter-finals.
Personnel situation
For the home team, Arthur Theate is likely to be absent due to a muscle injury. Meanwhile, the ability to play of Robin Koch, who has been absent for a few recent matches due to illness, is still a question mark.
On the other side of the front line, Ajax will not have the service of Jordan Henderson due to suspension, while Brian Bobbey is also uncertain to play. In addition, there are concerns about taylor's fitness, while Wout Weghorst is still sidelined.
Expected lineup:
Frankfurt: Trapp, Kristensen, Tuta, Collins, Brown, Knauff, Larsson, Skhiri, Gotze, Ekitike, Batshuayi.
Ajax: Gorter, Hato, Baas, Sutalo, Gaaei, Mokio, Fitz-Jim, Van de Boomen, Godts, Berghuis, Traore.
The match between Frankfurt and Ajax takes place at 0:45 am on February 14 (Vietnam time).
