Frankfurt vs. Leipzig preview: A Champions League battle
Leipzig travel to Frankfurt, as both settle in to what looks like a daunting part of the schedule.
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Eintracht Frankfurt
Mario Gotze finally got on the scoresheet on Matchday 4, as Frankfurt secured their first league win of the season in a feisty 4-3 affair over Werder Bremen. The emergence of Randal Kolo Muani could mean that Rafael Borre starts on the bench once again against Leipzig.
Trainer Oliver Glasner has made some interesting changes to the starting lineup after the departure of Filip Kostic and Almamy Toure’s injury. Kristijan Jakic is now starting at right-back, while Luca Pellegrini has come in to replace the Serbian on the wing.
In the pre-match presser, Glasner shared his concerns with some challenging games ahead: “Our international players have ten midweek fixtures in a row now. That’s going to wear us out and present us with challenges, but we’ll give our all and approach the tasks before us with enjoyment.”
Frankfurt are hoping to continue their hot streak playing against the Red Bull club, as they haven’t lost in the last six matchups.
Team News
Aurelio Buta and Toure will both miss out due to injury.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig also claimed their first win of the season in the 2-0 Christopher Nkunku show against Wolfsburg a week ago. They added an easy 8-0 win over Teutonia Ottensen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday.
Domenico Tedesco’s side are still under serious pressure, as any dreams of challenging for the Bundesliga title could come to a screeching halt if they continue this lackluster start to the season. However, their last two performances provide a glimmer of hope that a good run of form is on the horizon.
Tedesco stated that, "Frankfurt didn't win the Europa League due to luck or chance. They have a really good XI and quality on the bench.” Adding, "The atmosphere in the team and the way we're working makes me optimistic that we'll get our first away win against Frankfurt on Saturday.”
Newcomers Timo Werner and David Raum will be given another start, but Tedesco is having trouble finding the right midfield pairing amid a group filled with depth. Benjamin Henrichs should again move back to his usual position on the right, while Josko Gvardiol is fresh off his new contract extension.
Team News
Lukas Klostermann and Yussuf Poulsen are unavailable, while Peter Gulacsi is set to make his return. New signing Abdou Diallo is likely to be included in the squad.