Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern München preview: Bayern regroup after European defeat
Eintracht Frankfurt
After a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund on August 24 in their 2024-25 Bundesliga opener, Eintracht Frankfurt have bounced back by winning their next four league matches, including a 4-2 victory over Holstein Kiel on September 29.
Despite conceding twice and being level 2-2 after 50 minutes, Holstein Kiel didn't create any major chances from open play. Eintracht's three second-half goals secured them all three points.
In their latest match on Thursday, the Eagles secured a 3-1 win over Besiktas in the Europa League, with the Turkish side only managing a consolation goal in the 93rd minute after Frankfurt had taken a 3-0 lead.
Manager Dino Toppmöller praised his team's control of the game offensively and defensively but expressed concern that Besiktas generated more xG than his side.
Toppmöller's men have won five of their last six matches across all competitions, although their home form has been inconsistent, with four wins, six draws, and two losses in their last 12 games at Deutsche Bank Park.
Team News
The hosts will be without midfielders Mehdi Loune and Oscar Højlund until late October and late December, respectively.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp remains a doubt after sustaining a hip injury on September 14. Although he might return soon, manager Dino Toppmöller could continue to rely on Kaua Santos between the posts.
Mario Götze, who was subbed off at half-time against Besiktas due to injury, might be replaced by Fares Chaibi in midfield.
Bayern München
As for Bayern, they may head into Sunday’s clash feeling deflated after suffering their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The decisive goal came in the 79th minute when Pau Torres split the Bayern defence with a through ball to Jhon Duran, who fired into an empty net from distance after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was caught off his line.
Following the defeat, manager Vincent Kompany admitted his team was consistently a step behind, while Harry Kane voiced his frustration over the lack of service in the attacking third.
Despite this setback, Bayern have been dominant in the Bundesliga, winning all five of their matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just four — the best attacking and third-best defensive records in the league.
In their latest league outing on September 28, Bayern were held to a 1-1 draw by defending champions Bayer Leverkusen, limiting their opponents to just three shots.
Kompany's side has been strong on the road this season, winning four of their five away games, although, before this run, they struggled with just two wins, two draws, and seven losses in their previous 11 away fixtures.
Team News
Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has been suspended by the German Football Association for making disparaging comments about Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes.
Meanwhile, defender Sacha Boey is sidelined until December, and Josip Stanišić and Jamal Musiala are expected to return in late November and late October, respectively. Hiroki Ito is also doubtful but should miss only a few days at most.
Centre-back Dayot Upamecano faced criticism for his performance in the loss to Aston Villa, and it remains to be seen whether Kompany will stick with him on Sunday. If Kompany maintains faith in Upamecano, he could start alongside Raphael Guerreiro, Kim Min-Jae, and Alphonso Davies in a back four.
