In pursuit of sustaining their aspirations in European competitions, Eintracht Frankfurt is set to host Union Berlin at Deutsche Bank Park on Saturday afternoon within the Bundesliga.
The Eagles suffered a defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in their previous fixture before the international break, while the Iron Ones secured a narrow victory against Werder Bremen.
Match preview
Eintracht Frankfurt’s aspirations for improvement in the Bundesliga this season were dealt a significant blow on March 17th, following their inability to secure any points during their match at Signal Iduna Park against a resurgent Dortmund side. Despite initially taking the lead through Mario Götze, the Eagles ultimately succumbed to goals from Karim Adeyemi, Mats Hummels, and Emre Can, resulting in a defeat. This loss, the team’s first since February 3rd, halted their momentum in the league, leaving them with 40 points and trailing behind Saturday’s hosts by five points with eight games remaining.
Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian international, has been instrumental for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2023-24 season, leading the team in both goals and assists with 10 goals and six assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances. Additionally, the team has maintained an impressive record at Deutsche Bank Park, suffering only one defeat in their 12 Bundesliga home matches, placing them amongst the league’s top performers in home fixtures.
Meanwhile, Union Berlin, following their fourth-placed finish and subsequent Champions League qualification in the previous season, have faced a more challenging reality in the current Bundesliga campaign. Despite a recent home victory over Werder Bremen, the Iron Ones endured a difficult stretch earlier in the season, with a 16-game unbeaten run ending in early December. However, a resurgence in form has seen them secure seven points in their last five Bundesliga matches, including a notable away win against Hoffenheim.
Union Berlin’s acquisition of Germany international Robin Gosens from Inter Milan ahead of the 2023-24 season has proven beneficial, with Gosens currently leading the club in goals scored with six goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances.
Team News
Eintracht Frankfurt will be deprived of the services of Aurelio Buta due to a one-match suspension resulting from a yellow card received during their encounter with Borussia Dortmund.
Furthermore, The Eagles will also face the absence of Sasa Kalajdzic, who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, for the remainder of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Additionally, veteran midfielder Sebastian Rode, who had already lost his position in the starting lineup prior to sustaining a knee injury in February, is not anticipated to return until mid-next month.
In the upcoming clash, Union Berlin will be without the presence of Andras Schafer, who is suspended following his expulsion during the team’s defeat against Stuttgart on March 8.
Moreover, Union Berlin’s midfield options are diminished by the injury of Janik Haberer, who suffered a muscle strain earlier this month.
Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:
Trapp; Tuta, Koch, Pacho; Ebimbe, Skhiri, Larsson, Nkounkou; Gotze, Knauff, Marmoush
Union Berlin possible starting lineup:
Ronnow; Doekhi, Vogt, Leite; Trimmel, Tousart, Aaronson, Khedira, Gosens; Kaufmann, Vertessen