The Eagles are flying high in the Bundesliga. Adi Hutter’s Eintracht Frankfurt are seven games unbeaten in the league and have not tasted defeat since before Christmas.Frankfurt are currently in fifth place and just three points off of Champions League qualification.
But it isn’t just the Bundesliga in which the Eagles are soaring. They are currently embroiled in an exciting Europa League last-16 tie with Serie A’s Inter Milan. Frankfurt will renew their European campaign on Thursday night in Italy which comes just three days after their Monday night game in Dusseldorf.
Hutter does have a deep squad. He was forced to use it against Inter in midweek due to injuries. Nine-goal man Ante Rebic is sidelined with a knee injury. His loss damages the Bundesliga’s most prolific front three. It was the club’s attack that embarrassed Fortuna Dusseldorf in their last meeting. Frankfurt won the fixture 7-1 with striker Luka Jovic scoring five goals.
Fortuna are not the same team that lost to Frankfurt pre-Christmas. They have improved dramatically. Since December 15th, Fortuna have obtained 22 points from 30 possible. Only Bayern Munich have done better during that time period. The side is comfortable in 11th place and 17 points above the two automatic relegation places. They are also 12 points ahead of the relegation playoff position. It has truly been a fantastic turnaround for Fortuna.
Frankfurt have the fifth best Bundesliga away record. They are unbeaten in their last four road games with four of those ending in draws. The Eagles are +6 in goal difference on their travels. Fortuna have won six and lost six at home this term. They have managed 18 points from 36 placing them in midtable in terms of home results.
The last five matches between the two clubs have seen Frankfurt obtain eight points from 15 possible. Just once during that period did Fortuna pick up a victory. That win came all the way back in 2012 when Fortuna ran out 4-0 winners. All five meetings between Fortuna and Frankfurt saw over 1.5 goals.
Frankfurt have played 24 Bundesliga games this term and only two have ended in under 1.5 goals. The Eagles have played 17 games in which 2.5 goals or more have been scored. Monday’s game should see goals hit the back of the net and Frankfurt and Fortuna should combine for over 2.5 goals.
Although Hutter and his players will have one eye on their Europa League clash with Inter on Thursday, they will get the job done against Fortuna. The two sides will once again put the ball into the back of the net as over 2.5 goals are scored.