Deutsche Financial institution Park is all set for what appears like a cup last means too early, as Eintracht Frankfurt welcome Borussia Dortmund within the second spherical of the DFB-Pokal. Each side have had blended begins to the season, and this one might swing both means relying on who turns up sharper.
Group Information
Frankfurt head into this match with a little bit of confidence after lastly ending a poor run that included a 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool within the Champions League by beating St Pauli 2–0 final weekend, their first clear sheet in 11 matches. Softfootball understands that Dino Toppmöller’s males regarded extra composed defensively and performed with slightly swagger too. They sit sixth within the Bundesliga with 13 factors, 4 behind Dortmund, however nonetheless 11 off Bayern Munich, who’re already operating away once more.
The Eagles will take some encouragement from their Pokal historical past; they reached the ultimate in 2022–23 (dropping 2–0 to RB Leipzig) and have made the spherical of 16 twice since. Nonetheless, consistency has been an issue, particularly at dwelling, the place they’ve struggled to regulate video games.
Dortmund, although, are starting to search out their rhythm beneath Niko Kovač. After dropping 2–1 to Bayern earlier this month, a recreation that rival striker Harry Kane claimed to get pleasure from so much, they bounced again properly with wins over FC Köln (1–0) and Copenhagen (4–2) within the Champions League. Their defence has tightened up too, with simply six objectives conceded within the league to date.
The win in opposition to FC Köln was very dramatic as dortmund loved a late winner from Maximilian Beier, a objective that despatched the entire stadium ablaze. Dortmund posted a video of that feeling in a put up made by way of the official X account.
Watch the video beneath:
Toppmöller is predicted to call a powerful aspect once more, with Jonathan Burkardt main the assault. Hugo Larsson, who got here off the bench in opposition to St Pauli, would possibly begin this time, his calmness and passing may very well be key in midfield. There’s nonetheless a little bit of discuss in regards to the goalkeeping place, although; Michael Zetterer stored a clear sheet on Saturday, so he’s most likely earned one other go forward of Kaua Santos.
For Dortmund, Niklas Süle ought to return to the beginning lineup after sitting out in opposition to Köln. Marcel Sabitzer is pushing to begin in midfield, probably alongside Felix Nmecha. Julian Brandt might slot in behind Serhou Guirassy, who’s been in tremendous goal-scoring kind currently.
Potential Lineups
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
It’s not a straightforward one to name. Frankfurt’s dwelling benefit counts, however Dortmund simply appear extra balanced proper now. Anticipate a tricky battle with just a few nervy moments at each ends. Perhaps Frankfurt will nick an early objective, however Dortmund’s high quality would possibly inform late on.
Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–2 Borussia Dortmund
