A Topspiel to iron out issues

Here’s our preview for the meeting of Dortmund and Frankfurt – with team news and predicted lineups included.

 Borussia Dortmund

Taking the headline slot on Matchday 7 of the Bundesliga this weekend, Borussia Dortmund welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the Westfalenstadion this Saturday. As is normal, kick-off in the Topspiel affair is at 18:30 CET. 

Dortmund’s form has been turbulent to say the least in recent weeks. Last Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate with 1.FC Union Berlin sounded the alarm bells at the Westphalian club. Most notably, their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Much to Niko Kovač’s relief, the Champions League provided a chance to bounce back to winning ways. However it was far from smooth as Serhou Guirassy’s brace downed minnows Sabah in an extremely wasteful performance.

Kovač and Ole Book have now asked of their squad that they act “more ruthless” in front of goal. BVB ought to be confident too, seeing as they have extracted victory over Frankfurt in 9 of the last 10 games played on home soil. 

Team news:

Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias (ACL tears) remain out, while BVB confirmed Kostas Karetsas (ligament injury) will sit out against Frankfurt. Justin Lerma (muscular problems) is another long-term absentee for now. 

Eintracht Frankfurt 

Adding an extra bit of spice to this encounter is the fact that Eintracht Frankfurt have also lacked consistency in the form chart. They also bid farewell to sporting director Markus Krösche, likely marking the start of a new era. 

Impressive wins over rivals Mainz 05 and 1.FC Köln have been high points, but heavy defeats against Augsburg and RB Leipzig exposed weaknesses. Instability in defence is a worry while a new-look midfield aim to find their feet.

One thing that Adi Hütter could use in his favour is versatility. The 56-year-old has used both 4-4-2 and 3-4-2-1 systems this season to varying effects. Something that could come handy if they hope to stymie Dortmund’s tempo. 

The biggest hurdle for Frankfurt this Saturday seems to be a mental one. The Hessen club have been more than a match for BVB at home, but they last tasted victory in front of the Yellow Wall all the way back in April 2021.

Team news:

Much to the relief of Adi Hütter, Frankfurt’s injury list remains incredibly short. On Jessic Ngankam is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Raphael Onyedika is at risk of a suspension with four yellow cards to his name.