The leagues are coming closer to an end in most European countries and really crucial games are being played all over the continent, with teams fighting to avoid relegation, or teams battling over the top positions. This afternoon in Germany there is a real heavyweight fight where third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt takes on fourth-placed RB Leipzig, only three points behind in the table. As there are only four games remaining in the Bundesliga, every point is of greatest importance to the teams if they want to keep the desired Campions League qualifier seats.
For sure, this match will not be taken lightly by neither teams, coaches nor fans. And I think we can expect blood, sweat and maybe even tears on display in Frankfurt tonight.
While Frankfurt places themselves one place ahead of RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, they have experienced quite a bumpy ride in the last games, displaying a weak form curve and quite poor performances. In the last two games, Frankfurt has come out goalless and in fact the team has failed to score in three of their last five games. But including games outside of the Bundesliga, the picture looks a bit better and limiting it to Frankfurt’s home form curve much better. At their home ground Frankfurt has three wins out of the last four matches. RB Leipzig hasn’t shown the best of forms either, but through the last three matches there is massive improvement with 7 points won.
In terms of squad news, Frankfurt holds a slight upper hand. Götze remains unavailable through injury and striker Matanovic is reported ill. Obviously, a set-back for the team, but also somewhat compensated by the return of the goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. RB Leipzig on their hand have to piece a puzzle with a more decimated squad. Three defenders, Henrichs, Raum and Orban are unavailable as well as the preferred choice of goalie, Gulasci. So, the defensive line looks weaker than what fans would hope for. And in the midfield, Schlager is missing as well. To, me the squad reports favour Frankfurt – but their recent inability to score might balance that out.
Conclusion. So, how will this battle end? There are advantages for Frankfurt; strong performance at their home ground, less decimated squad and probably a little less nervousness as they still are three points ahead of their opponents. But there are also almost same number of advantages for Leipzig; positive energy from recent goal-rich wins, a growing form-curve and a good record against Frankfurt this season with two straight wins (Cup and League). So, to me this is a tough nut to crack. Honestly, to me this game can go either way. That why is stick to the importance of the game and the Blood, Sweat and Tears mentioned in the beginning of the article. This will be a tough match, and there will lots of cards handed out. My prediction? Over 4,5 cards in the match.
