Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen will meet at the Commerzbank-Arena on Sunday following both clubs’ exploits in the Europa League. Eintracht finished the group stage with a perfect 18 from 18 points possible to top Group H. Bayer also progressed in the competition by winning Group A with 13 points from 18 possible.
Despite Bayer’s Europa League play, the Germans have failed to kickstart their Bundesliga season. Bayer sit 11th after 14 games. The good news for manager Heiko Herrlich is the team is undefeated in its last three Bundesliga matches.
Wins over Stuttgart and Augsburg were combined with a draw away at Nurnberg. Bayer’s biggest issue this season has been a lack of goals. They have tallied just 20 while allowing opponents to score 25 times. Bayer are undefeated in four of their last six league games, they have scored 10 goals during that time. However, six of those strikes came in just one game against Werder Bremen.
Eintracht, on the other hand, sit fifth in the Bundesliga. The Eagles have suffered a dip in league form over their last two games. Eintracht were beaten 2-1 by Wolfsburg before suffering defeat at the hands of Hertha Berlin, 1-0, last weekend. Despite back to back losses, Eintracht still find themselves within reach of the Champions League places. It would be a dream season if they can qualify for the competition and go deep into the Europa League.
Adi Hutter’s team has not been shy in front of goal this term. Eintracht have tallied the third most goals in the Bundesliga (30). Striker Luka Jovic has scored 10 goals this season for 33 percent of Eintracht’s scoring. That figure is misleading as five of his goals came against Fortuna Dusseldorf in one match. Strike partner Sebastien Haller has scored nine times while Ante Rebic has added five. Defensively, the Eagles have allowed the fifth fewest goals (17) in the Bundesliga.
Many of Eintracht’s star players were rested for their Europa League finale against Lazio. Hutter will have a near full strength squad at his disposal. However, key defensive midfielder Makoto Hasebe may miss the match due to injury. Captain David Abraham is also out.
Viewers should expect goals to be scored in this game. Not only do Eintracht have an amazing front three, but in 66 Bundesliga games, the two teams have never finished a match nil-nil. Bayer have dominated the last six fixtures between the clubs with over 2.5 goals scored in all but one of those meetings.
Eintracht are in tremendous form and Sunday will see the Eagles return their focus to the Bundesliga. Although Bayer are playing well, Eintracht will out score them at home. The fixture will have an Eintracht win, over 2.5 goals, and both teams will find the back of the net in a shootout.