Eintracht Frankfurt will face a stern test when champions Bayern Munich come calling this Saturday.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich face one of their sternest domestic challenges yet as they travel to the Deutsche Bank Park to take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Both clubs arrive with plenty of attacking flair, but while Bayern remain flawless this season, Eintracht’s inconsistencies continue to undermine their ambitions.
The Eagles sit fourth in the Bundesliga standings, but they already find themselves six points adrift of the champions. Frankfurt’s attack has been one of the brighter aspects of their campaign, scoring freely despite the summer departures of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike.
Their 6-4 thriller against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend highlighted both their attacking power and defensive vulnerabilities: Eintracht led 6-0 by the 47th minute, only to collapse late on and concede four goals in 25 minutes. That collapse mirrored their wider issues at the back, with 13 goals shipped in their past three matches across all competitions, including a bruising 5-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Dino Toppmoller’s men have alternated between victories and defeats in their last five outings, a run that has prevented them from building momentum. At home, however, they remain difficult to beat, having lost only once in their last six Bundesliga fixtures at Deutsche Bank Park. That run includes four wins and three clean sheets, offering hope that they can disrupt the champions.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, continue to operate like a well-oiled machine under Vincent Kompany. The Bavarians destroyed Werder Bremen 4-0 in their most recent league outing, producing nearly 3.5 expected goals (xG), 13 shots on target, and seven big chances created in a single game. Their ability to carve through defenses is unmatched, having already fashioned 29 big chances in just five league fixtures, a league-best.
That attacking prowess carried over into Europe earlier this week, as Bayern brushed aside Pafos FC 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League, extending their streak of scoring three or more goals to eight consecutive matches. With Harry Kane in record-breaking form and Jamal Musiala rediscovering his creative influence, Bayern remain as threatening as ever in the final third.
Defensively, however, the Bavarians have shown some cracks. Despite conceding just three times in the Bundesliga, the joint-best defensive record in the division, they have managed only two clean sheets in their last seven across all competitions. Moreover, their four away fixtures in 2025/26 have all ended in wins, but six goals were conceded in the process, suggesting Frankfurt’s forwards could get chances if they can withstand Bayern’s relentless pressure.
With Bayern Munich flawless so far and Eintracht Frankfurt unpredictable but dangerous, this clash at Deutsche Bank Park promises to be a fiery contest with goals very likely on both ends. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt have been fortunate on the injury front, with only one significant concern ahead of Saturday’s clash against Bayern Munich. Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen is dealing with a muscle problem and remains a doubt. While he has not yet been officially ruled out, it is expected that head coach Dino Toppmoller may prefer to rest him rather than risk aggravating the injury in such a high-intensity fixture.
Apart from Kristensen, Frankfurt have no new suspensions or fitness concerns, giving them a strong and largely settled squad to select from. In terms of setup, Toppmöller will likely maintain his favoured 4-2-3-1 system. Kaua Santos should continue as the starting goalkeeper, offering a mix of agility and reflexes despite recent criticism following heavy defeats.
The back four will feature Nnamdi Collins at right-back and Nathaniel Brown at left-back, providing width and defensive stability. At the heart of the defence, German international Robin Koch will partner Belgian defender Arthur Theate, forming the central pairing tasked with keeping Bayern’s attacking trio at bay.
In midfield, the double pivot is expected to include Tunisian enforcer Ellyes Skhiri, who will sit deep to shield the back line, alongside Algerian playmaker Fares Chaibi, who will add transitional creativity and link-up play. Further ahead, Ritsu Doan is likely to start on the right wing, while young prodigy Can Uzun, who has already netted six goals this season, will operate centrally in the attacking midfield role.
On the left flank, Ansgar Knauff provides pace and directness, complementing Frankfurt’s fast-break strategy. Leading the line will be striker Jonathan Burkardt, who has been in clinical form and is expected to spearhead Frankfurt’s attack. His movement and finishing will be critical if the Eagles are to exploit Bayern’s occasional defensive lapses away from home.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Santos; Collins, Koch, Theate, Brown; Skhiri, Chaibi; Doan, Uzun, Knauff; Burkardt
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich enter this crucial clash in superb form, though they are still managing some important absentees. Star midfielder Jamal Musiala remains sidelined with a serious leg injury and will not be available for selection. His absence has been covered effectively by Serge Gnabry, who has slotted into the attacking midfield role behind Harry Kane.
There are no fresh suspensions for Bayern Munich, but manager Vincent Kompany continues to keep a watchful eye on player rotation amid a packed fixture list. Defensively, Bayern have a fairly settled backline. Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are expected to start in the centre of defence, combining strength, composure, and aerial presence.
With Alphonso Davies unavailable, adjustments are required at full-back. As such, Sacha Boey is likely to feature on the right side of defence, while Konrad Laimer, normally a midfielder, has been covering at left-back due to the squad’s injuries in that area.
In midfield, Bayern will once again rely on their experienced duo of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka to dictate play in the double pivot. Kimmich will anchor the side with his passing range and tactical awareness, while Goretzka offers energy, late runs, and defensive cover.
Further forward, Michael Olise should start on the right wing, with Luis Diaz deployed on the left, providing width and creativity. Serge Gnabry, as mentioned, will operate centrally as the attacking midfielder in Musiala’s absence, tasked with linking midfield and attack. Leading the line will be Harry Kane, who has been in record-breaking form this season and remains Bayern’s most reliable source of goals.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Key Stats
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Bayern Munich have lost 24 away games against Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions, the joint-most against any club (level with Borussia Monchengladbach). However, Frankfurt have only lost two of their last six Bundesliga home matches against Bayern Munich (W3 D1 L2), outscoring them 16-13 in that span.
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Bayern Munich have scored 22 goals in their opening five Bundesliga games, equalling the all-time record for this stage of the competition (set by Bayern themselves in 2021/22). Frankfurt, meanwhile, have netted 17 goals – their best-ever tally after five matchdays.
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For the first time in nine years, Bayern Munich have won their first five Bundesliga games of a season. The last time they managed such a start was in 2016/17. Across all seasons, Bayern Munich have recorded seven consecutive Bundesliga wins under Vincent Kompany, their best streak since Hansi Flick’s side managed 14 straight victories in 2020.
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Eintracht Frankfurt have already conceded 13 goals in their first five Bundesliga matches this season, the worst defensive record at this stage in their top-flight history. They have allowed 30 shots on target so far, a figure only surpassed by Tennis Borussia Berlin (31 in 1976/77) in the Bundesliga after five games.
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Bayern Munich have scored at least three goals in each of their last six Bundesliga matches, their longest such streak in almost two decades (since 2005, when they managed eight). They have also scored at least three goals in each of their last six Bundesliga away matches, which is a new club record.
Player to Watch
Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz will be a key figure to watch for Bayern Munich in their clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Colombian winger has been steadily growing into his role in Bavaria, bringing pace, flair, and unpredictability to Bayern Munich’s wide play. With his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and cut inside onto his stronger foot, Diaz provides a dangerous option both as a direct goal threat and as a creator for teammates such as Harry Kane.
His dribbling and work rate are crucial in stretching defenses, particularly against a Frankfurt side that has struggled defensively this season, conceding 13 goals in their first five Bundesliga matches. Diaz thrives in matches where he has space to exploit, and Bayern’s fast, transition-heavy style under Vincent Kompany gives him the platform to shine.
Against an Eintracht Frankfurt backline prone to lapses, Diaz’s movement between the lines and willingness to press high could prove decisive. If he can link up effectively with Serge Gnabry and Kane, Bayern Munich’s attack could once again be too much for their opponents to contain.
Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 Bayern Munich
This Bundesliga clash promises goals, given both sides’ attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities. Eintracht Frankfurt have shown they can score freely, hitting six against Borussia Monchengladbach, but their tendency to concede heavily, 13 goals in just five league matches, leaves them exposed against Bayern Munich’s high-powered attack.
Bayern, meanwhile, have been relentless under Vincent Kompany. With Harry Kane in red-hot form, Luis Diaz adding width and creativity, and the team averaging over four goals per match, it is difficult to see Frankfurt containing them for 90 minutes.
However, Bayern Munich’s defense is not watertight, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s front line, led by Jonathan Burkardt and supported by Can Uzun, has the potential to punish any lapses. Ultimately, the away side’s superior firepower and experience should prevail, though Eintracht Frankfurt are likely to get on the scoresheet at home.
