RB Leipzig will focus on their league campaign following their elimination from the Champions League as they host Eintracht Frankfurt.
Marco Rose could be on the brink of losing his job as a favourable Bundesliga campaign is the only thing that can save him. Following yet another defeat in the Champions League, RB Leipzig’s sixth in the competition confirmed their elimination, which in turn has turned the pressure screw on the manager.
This time, it was Aston Villa who came to Germany to inflict more wounds on Leipzig, as Rose’s side are without a win in the competition, which is also their worst run in the Champions League. In the Bundesliga, their form is not optimal either, as they are languishing closely in the fourth spot and certainly out of the running in the title race, as Bayern Munich lead them by nine points.
It is unlikely that any club, especially with the competitive nature of RB Leipzig, will let Rose continue after their disastrous run in the Champions League. Beyond the eight games, there is no European football to look forward to, as Rose has to prioritise league form to stand any chance of saving his job at the club.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt could consider their season a success on all fronts, although they are still some distance from leaders Bayern Munich to challenge for the title. Dino Toppmoller’s side have had a difficult couple of games heading into this one against RB Leipzig, which has resulted in a setback of sorts.
Last weekend, they could only manage to draw against Augsburg, which has allowed Bayern Munich to open up a six-point lead at the top. They also had a minor hiccup in the Europa League with a loss against Lyon, and despite that defeat, they are still one of the favourites to finish in the top eight.
Earlier this month, Frankfurt also played RB Leipzig in the DFB Pokal, only to lose 3-0 to their next opponents. For Toppmoller, the task will be laid out in the simplest of ways, as he can only afford to drop any more points in the league once they close the gap up top, as the game against Leipzig will be a big test of sorts.
Team News & Tactics
RB Leipzig
Marco Rose will certainly point a the numerous injury issues he has had with his players as a big reason for their drop-off in performance. RB Leipzig does have a long list of players currently not available, including key defenders Castello Lukeba and David Raum.
Xavi Simons and Yussuf Poulsen are also out alongside four other stars for this game against Frankfurt. That list also includes midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, who will miss through a suspension for accumulating five yellow cases in the league season so far.
A strategic 4-4-2 could be deployed by Rose, with Willi Orban and Nicolas Seiwald are the preferred options in central defence, with Benjamin Henrichs at right-back and Lutsharel Geertruida playing out of position in the left-back slot.
Xaver Schlager and Kevin Kampl are expected to slot in those midfield roles, with Antonio Nusa and Christoph Baumgartner stationed in the wide areas. Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko are the fixed choices to start up front.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Gulacsi; Henrichs, Orban, Seiwald, Geertruida; Nusa, Schlager, Kampl, Baumgartner; Sesko, Openda
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt have fewer injuries to deal with than their opponents, Leipzig, but the manager will be cautious about using some of his stars who come into this game with some injury doubts. Marcel Wenig and Aurele Amenda are the sure absentees for this clash, while defender Arthur Theate and key midfielder Hugo Larsson are doubts.
There are further doubts about midfielder Eric-Dina Junior Ebimbe, which could open the idea of using a midfield partnership of Mahmoud Dahoud and Ellyes Skhiri. However, Oscar Hojlund is also an option to use in the middle.
The Frankfurt boss will continue to use a 4-4-2 of his own, as Mario Gotze and Ansgar Knauff are stationed in the wide areas. At the back, Arthur Theate is expected to shake off his existing fitness niggle to feature alongside Robin Koch. Upfront, talismanic striker Omar Marmoush will lead the line alongside Frenchman Hugo Ekitike.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Trapp; Kristensen, Theate, Koch, Collins; Knauff, Skhiri, Dahoud, Gotze; Marmoush, Ekitike
Key Stats
- RB Leipzig are undefeated in nine of their last ten home matches against Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions.
- RB Leipzig are winless in three of their last four home games.
- Eintracht Frankfurt are undefeated in their last six matches in the Bundesliga.
- Eintracht Frankfurt have four wins in their last six away games in the Bundesliga.
Player to Watch
Omar Marmoush
With 18 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, Omar Marmoush is putting in some clinical performances for Eintracht Frankfurt on all fronts. His numbers have allowed the German side to stay in touch with a title challenge against Bayern Munich, and he will be the key for this side when they visit top-four rivals Leipzig.
Frankfurt did not fare well in their most recent game against Leipzig, as Marmoush will want to play the protagonist this time around. Apart from helping his team mount a title challenge, the Egyptian will also have eyes on the Golden Boot price at the end of the season, meaning he will target goals in all games, particularly away from home against Leipzig.
Prediction
RB leipzig 2-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
RB Leipzig are reeling from their most recent loss in the UEFA Champions League and will be expected to be a bit short on their confidence levels heading into the game against Eintracht Frankfurt. This will play in the minds of the opposition, as the visitors will look to take advantage of this issue.
Frankfurt will also be thinking about a DFB Pokal loss against Leipzig earlier this month, as they will now look to inflict more damage on Leipzig in the Bundesliga. This game has all the hallmarks of an entertaining goal-fest, as Frankfurt might edge their hosts out in this one to keep pace with Bayern Munich at the top of the standings.