Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen on 31 January
The Bundesliga is about to witness an enthralling encounter as Eintracht Frankfurt hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Deutsche Bank Park on January 31st. Both sides are in the thick of the battle for European spots, making this match a pivotal clash in the ongoing season. With just a few months left to secure a place in Europe, the stakes could not be higher. The weather forecast predicts chilly conditions, potentially affecting the speed and fluidity of play. However, both teams have shown the ability to adapt to harsh weather, and this match promises to be a tactical war from the opening whistle.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Frankfurt has been in strong form recently, securing three wins and two losses in their last five games. Oliver Glasner's side typically sets up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which provides them with a solid defensive base and the flexibility to attack through the wide areas or with direct balls into the central striker, Randal Kolo Muani. Their pressing game has improved significantly, with Frankfurt averaging 10.2 pressing actions per 90 minutes, a stat that speaks to their relentless desire to win back possession high up the pitch. Additionally, their xG of 1.58 per game showcases a dynamic, high-tempo attacking style, focused on quick transitions after regaining possession.
The key players for Frankfurt are undeniably Kolo Muani and Daichi Kamada. Kolo Muani's pace and ability to link up play are central to their attacking strategy, while Kamada provides creativity and vision in the final third. However, Frankfurt's injury list remains a concern, with influential midfielder Djibril Sow missing out due to injury, forcing Glasner to rework the midfield balance. Without Sow, Frankfurt could struggle to control possession in the middle of the park, a key area against a high-pressing Leverkusen side.
Bayer Leverkusen: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Bayer Leverkusen, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, has been flying high in the Bundesliga. With four wins and a draw in their last five matches, they are on a 14-match unbeaten run, and their attacking prowess is hard to ignore. Leverkusen typically lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to dominate possession and break down the opposition with a fluid passing game. Their impressive 62% possession rate speaks to their dominance in the midfield, where their ability to control tempo is unmatched in the league.
The star for Leverkusen remains Moussa Diaby, who continues to terrorize full-backs with his pace and dribbling ability. Additionally, the recent form of Charles Aránguiz in the midfield has been exceptional, allowing Leverkusen to control the game’s rhythm. However, the absence of the injured Jeremie Frimpong could shift the balance in Frankfurt's favor, as Leverkusen’s attacking width might suffer without his overlapping runs on the right flank. Furthermore, Leverkusen's defensive vulnerabilities—particularly their tendency to concede from set-pieces—could become a problem if Frankfurt exploits this weakness.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In recent meetings between the two teams, Leverkusen has had the upper hand, with Frankfurt winning only one of the last five encounters. Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture this season showcased their attacking flair, with Diaby and Schick linking up to great effect. However, Frankfurt has proven difficult to break down at home, particularly in tight matches. The psychological edge seems to be with Leverkusen at the moment, especially with their remarkable unbeaten run, but Frankfurt will relish the opportunity to test Leverkusen’s defensive resolve, particularly in front of their passionate home crowd.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
1. **Kolo Muani vs. Jonathan Tah (CB)**: The most crucial individual duel of the match will likely be Kolo Muani's battle against Leverkusen's imposing center-back, Jonathan Tah. Kolo Muani’s pace and movement in behind will test Tah’s ability to cope with direct balls over the top. Leverkusen’s high defensive line could leave them vulnerable to such runs, and the Frenchman will look to exploit this weakness. However, Tah’s aerial presence and physicality in one-on-one duels will be key in limiting Kolo Muani’s effectiveness.
2. **Frankfurt’s Wing Play vs. Leverkusen’s Full-Backs**: Frankfurt’s wide play has been pivotal in their attacking success, and with Kostić's deep crosses or Knauff's pace, they can overload Leverkusen’s full-backs. The battle on the flanks will be decisive, as Leverkusen’s full-backs—without Frimpong—may struggle to handle Frankfurt’s directness. On the other hand, Leverkusen’s own wide play, driven by Diaby and possibly Amiri, will attempt to pull Frankfurt’s wing-backs out of position, creating space for cutbacks and late runs into the box.
3. **Midfield Control**: The central midfield battle could swing the result. Leverkusen, with Aránguiz and Wirtz pulling strings, has an edge in terms of creativity and passing accuracy, but Frankfurt's defense-first approach could frustrate their rhythm. Without Sow, Frankfurt will need to rely heavily on the defensive stability of Tuta and the quick transition play from Kamada to break through Leverkusen’s midfield press.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match is expected to be a tactical battle with both teams looking to impose their playing style. Frankfurt will look to press Leverkusen high, disrupting their build-up play, while Leverkusen will focus on controlling possession and exposing any gaps left by Frankfurt’s defensive line. The absence of Sow could affect Frankfurt’s ability to stifle Leverkusen’s midfield dominance, and the injury to Frimpong could limit Leverkusen’s width, potentially forcing them to play more centrally.
Given the current form, Leverkusen’s greater attacking depth and midfield control should give them the edge in this matchup. However, Frankfurt’s ability to hit on the counter-attack and exploit set-piece opportunities could keep them in the game. In terms of a prediction, Leverkusen is the more likely winner, but it could be a close, high-intensity contest.
Prediction: Leverkusen 2-1 Frankfurt
Final Thoughts
This match will be a key indicator of which team is truly capable of challenging for European positions come the end of the season. While Leverkusen’s attacking quality is undeniable, Frankfurt’s resilience at home and their ability to stifle the opposition in key areas could make this a much tighter encounter than expected. The question that this match will answer: Can Leverkusen maintain their impressive form on the road, or will Frankfurt’s tactical discipline and home advantage prove too much?
