Verdict: Hugo Ekitike to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to make a much-welcomed return to winning ways on Sunday afternoon, Eintracht Frankfurt will welcome Kiel to Deutsche Bank Park.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Starting with the hosts, while Eintracht Frankfurt might have continued to gain a string of plaudits from across Germany’s elite this season, the Eagles do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Borussia Monchengladbach last week, Dino Toppmoller’s men are without a win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Italian giants Roma, Frankfurt will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Landing an eye-catching 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund on January 17th, Sunday’s hosts have collected 10 points from their previous four showdowns at Deutsche Bank Park across all formats. Likewise, Toppmoller’s camp have suffered just a single Bundesliga defeat in front of their own supporters so far this season.
Eintracht Frankfurt Team News
Suffering a shoulder injury during Frankfurt’s 1-1 draw against Wolfsburg on February 2nd, former Leeds defender Robin Koch will once again miss out here. Not featuring since returning from November’s international break, ex-PSG starlet Junior Dina Ebimbe remains on the sidelines.
Once again finding the net away at Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend and now notching six goals in his previous seven appearances across all competitions, Hugo Ekitike will play a leading role in the final third.
Kiel
As for the visitors, while Kiel might have only made their Bundesliga return this season, the Storks have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Despite clinching a sensational 4-2 victory against home against Borussia Dortmund last month, Marcel Rapp’s men have drastically failed to find any kind of stability. Missing out on what was a golden opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against fellow strugglers Bochum, Sunday’s guests have recorded just a sole Bundesliga victory since returning from Germany’s festive break. Getting 2025 underway with an action-packed 3-2 loss at the hands of Freiburg, Kiel should also be concerned by their reverse showdown against Frankfurt. Falling to a 4-2 defeat when they welcomed the Eagles to the Holstein-Stadion on September 29th, Rapp’s side are pencilled in as a landslide underdog this weekend.
Kiel Team News
Limping off against Bochum with a first-half knock last weekend after recording a fourth Bundesliga goal of the season, Steven Skrzybski is seen as a major doubt. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Rapp’s side will be without the likes of Patrick Erras, Carl Johansson and former Elfsborg striker Alexander Bernhardsson on Sunday afternoon.
Returning from a two-match suspension last month, one-time Tottenham midfielder Lewis Hotly will start in the middle of the park. Notching five goals in his last seven Bundesliga outings, Phil Harris will lead the line here.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Kiel Key Factors to Consider
- When Eintracht Frankfurt and Kiel met for their reverse Bundesliga showdown on September 29th, the Eagles collected a 4-2 win at the Holstein-Stadion.
- Sunday’s hosts have collected 10 points from their previous four home fixtures across all competitions.
- Kiel have recorded just a single Bundesliga victory since returning from Germany’s festive break.
- Hugo Ekitike has recorded six goals in his previous seven appearances across all formats.
- Conceding 54 Bundesliga goals so far this season, Kiel hold the worst defensive tally among Germany’s elite.
Conclusion
Without a win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions, Eintracht Frankfurt are seeking a much-welcomed boost here. Nevertheless, mustering 10 points from their last four showdowns at Deutsche Bank Park, the Eagles should be smelling a golden opportunity this weekend. Landing an action-packed 4-2 win when they travelled to Kiel for their reverse Bundesliga meeting on September 29th, Frankfurt will be looking to shore up their spot in the Champions League chase. With Sunday’s guests continuing to show some glaring defensive struggles, Toppmoller’s men are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender.
Verdict: Hugo Ekitike to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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