Frankfurt finds joy again after a series of gloomy days
Eintracht Frankfurt found a release after a gloomy season when they won 2-0 against St. Pauli in the Bundesliga, thereby keeping a clean sheet for the first time in 11 matches.
Dino Toppmoller's side have previously conceded 22 goals in just six games, although they have still scored at least two goals in five of their last eight in all competitions.
Frankfurt is currently ranked sixth in the Bundesliga rankings with 13 points. Although they are only 4 points behind fourth-placed Dortmund, they have been 11 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
In the last two seasons, the "Greatars" have participated in the round of 16 of the German Cup (DFB-Pokal). They even reached the final of the 2022-2023 season before losing 0-2 to RB Leipzig.
Last weekend's victory was also Frankfurt's first victory after 5 consecutive matches with only draws and losses, including 3 losses. They have won five and lost two of their opening seven games of the season.
Notably, the victory over St. Pauli also helped Frankfurt end a streak of 3 consecutive defeats at home at Deutsche Bank Park, and brought home the first home victory in 4 matches.
Dortmund runs out of steam in Bundesliga title race
Dortmund have long held an ambition to compete for the Bundesliga title this season, but a 1-2 defeat to Bayern Munich has left the chance to narrow the gap with their defending champions vulnerable.
Since then, coach Niko Kovac and his team have won two consecutive victories - 1-0 against FC Koln in the Bundesliga and 4-2 over Copenhagen in the Champions League in midweek. In the last 7 matches in all competitions, Dortmund won 5, drew 1 and lost 1.
They have scored 14 goals in the Bundesliga, 7 fewer than Frankfurt (21). However, Dortmund's defense has shown more solidity, conceding only 6 goals - 12 times less than their opponents.
At the DFB-Pokal arena, Dortmund stopped in the second round of the 2024-2025 season. The last time they lifted this title was in the 2020-2021 season, which was also the fifth domestic cup in the club's history.
In the first leg last season, Dortmund lost 0-2 at Deutsche Bank Park, despite having won 6 and lost only one of their last seven meetings with Frankfurt.
Personnel situation
Frankfurt hopes to use DFB-Pokal as a springboard for the rest of the season. Therefore, it is likely that Dino Toppmoller will field a strong squad with key players, including striker Jonathan Burkardt.
Young midfielder Hugo Larson, who came off the bench in the win over St. Pauli, is expected to play an important role in the midfield thanks to his accurate passing ability and good tactical vision.
In goal, the competition between Michael Zetterer and Kaua Santos for the No. 1 spot is still taking place. However, Zetterer's clean sheet last weekend will likely help him continue to be trusted as a starting goalkeeper.
On the opposite side, Dortmund also made notable adjustments. Center-back Niklas Sule, who was not used in the match against FC Koln, is expected to return to the squad and join the 3-man defense.
Marcel Sabitzer could be named in the starting lineup, replacing Pascal Grob as a holding midfielder, paired with Felix Nmecha.
Up front, Julian Brandt is a leading candidate for the supporting position behind striker Serhou Guirassy, who is in good form.
Expected lineup:
Eintracht Frankfurt: Santos, Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown, Skhiri, Larsson, Collins, Uzun, Bahoya, Burkardt.
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Anton, Sule, Bensebaini, Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson, Adeyemi, Brandt, Guirassy.
The match between Frankfurt and Dortmund takes place at 0:30 am on October 29 (Vietnam time).
