Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Tottenham will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to north London.
Tottenham
Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have picked up some much-needed momentum over the weekend as they secured a 3-1 victory against Southampton, the pressure on Ange Postecoglou’s shoulders remains at a boiling point. Firmly sat in the bottom-half of the Premier League table, Spurs have broken a string of unwanted records this season. Heading into March’s International break with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Fulham, the former Celtic boss will have a major headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Despite booking their Europa League quarter-final spot last month as they clinched a 3-2 aggregate win against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions. With European success their only chance to salvaging what has been a nightmare campaign, Spurs will fall under a huge amount of scrutiny here.
Tottenham Team News
While Dejan Kulusevski might be inching towards a first-team returning, the Swedish international remains on the sidelines with a foot injury and will not feature here. Likewise, suffering a hamstring injury against Bournemouth last month, January recruit Kevin Danso will not play any part in north London.
Bagging a Premier League brace against Southampton on Sunday afternoon, Brennan Johnson will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Handed a full rest over the weekend, Dutch defender Micky van de Ven should be handed a full recall.
Eintracht Frankfurt
As for the visitors, while Eintracht Frankfurt might be sat in bronze medal position among Germany’s elite, the Eagles do have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability. Despite booking their Europa League quarter-final ticket last month thanks to a sensational 6-2 aggregate win against Dutch giants Ajax, Dino Toppmoller’s squad have won just a quartet of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions. Although Thursday’s guests might be relishing a trip to north London in midweek, Frankfurt will be concerned by their inconstancies on the road. Along with winning just a pair of their last seven showdowns away from Deutsche Bank Park, Toppmoller’s men have also registered just a sole clean sheet on their travels since a 4-0 romp against Heidenheim on December 1st.
Eintracht Frankfurt Team News
Once again missing out against Werder Bremen last weekend and still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Eintracht Frankfurt are expected to be without January recruit Else Wahi on Thursday night. Likewise, Topmoller’s squad will travel to north London without the likes of Eric Ebimbe, Igor Matanovic and Ansgar Knauff.
Notching 19 goals across all competitions this season and linked with a potential Premier League switch in the summer, attacking talisman Hugo Ekitike will spearhead Frankfurt’s charge. Former Leeds defender Robin Koch will partner Belgium international Arthur Theate at the back.
Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt Key Factors to Consider
- When Tottenham welcomed Eintracht Frankfurt to north London for a Champions League showdown in October 2022, Spurs collected an action-packed 3-2 victory.
- Tottenham have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.
- Frankfurt have won just a quartet of their previous 13 matchups across all formats.
- Likewise, the Eagles have won just a pair of their last seven showdowns away from Deutsche Bank Park.
- Frankfurt have recorded just a sole clean sheet on their travels since the start of December.
Conclusion
Landing what was a frantic 3-2 victory when they last welcomed Eintracht Frankfurt to north London back in October 2022, Tottenham will be desperate to claim an essential first-leg advantage here. However, while the Eagles might have shown some extended issues on the road, Thursday’s guests are more than capable of asking for serious questions. Sending Dutch giants Ajax packing last month following a 6-2 aggregate win, we could be treated to another enjoyable Europa League contest in north London.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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