GERMANY: Bundesliga
Date: 08-01-22
Time: 18:30PM
Venue: Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt)
The opening Saturday of 2022 Bundesliga action closes with a competitive looking clash between in-form European hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and forlorn title-chasers Borussia Dortmund. The hosts come into this vital clash in stronger five-game Bundesliga form (W4, L1) than their opposition and will look to extend their impressive run of six consecutive unbeaten league games directly following the winter break (W5, D1).
The Waldstadion has proven to be one of the toughest grounds to visit in Germany recently, with the ‘Eagles’ unbeaten in 26 of their last 27 home league games (W15, D11). That strong run could progress further here as Frankfurt remain unbeaten in seven consecutive home league H2Hs, whilst another victory would stick the proverbial knife into Dortmund’s title challenge.
Perennial bridesmaids Dortmund have had some time to reflect on their latest Bundesliga defeat (3-2 vs Hertha) and they’ll now hope to bounce back with victory, as they did in seven of their eight competitive defeats prior to their latest loss. The scoring potential of BVB is not under scrutiny after scoring at least twice in 26 of their last 31 league games, though that suggests they must tighten up their backline.
That backline has been particularly vulnerable away from home, with Dortmund failing to keep a clean sheet against any side on their travels since a 3-0 success over third-tier opponents in the DFB-Pokal back in August (W4, D1, L6). At least their topsy-turvy trips produce entertainment for the neutral as Dortmund’s last 11 competitive away games have witnessed 3.64 total goals on average.
Players to watch: Rafael Borré has at least one goal contribution in each of his last four Bundesliga appearances (G2, A3) – four of his five Frankfurt goals were team openers. Meanwhile, Julian Brandt has five goal contributions in 12 personal H2Hs (G3, A2), though he’s yet to score against Frankfurt since moving to Dortmund.
Recent Stats:
- Eintracht Frankfurt’s form in last 5 matches: WWWDL.
- Dortmund’s form in last 5 matches: LWDWL.
PREDICTION: BTTS
