Leverkusen stretched their unbeaten record to 47 games midweek with a convincing 2-0 away win against Roma in their Europa League semi final first leg. The prospect of an unbeaten treble is very much still on the cards for Xabi Alonso’s side but ‘Die Werkself’ face a stern test at the Deutsche Bank Park where Frankfurt are particularly strong.
Dino Toppmöller’s side have lost just once in 25 home Bundesliga fixtures and ‘Die Adler’ will be hoping to put last week’s defeat to Bayern Munich out of their minds as they face one of the most formidable sides in world football.
There will be no dramatic touchline celebrations for Alonso this week after the Spaniard picked up his fourth yellow card and will have to watch his side from the stands with assistant managers Sebastian Parilla and Alberto Encinas taking charge.
Frankfurt have enjoyed this fixture recently as they look to continue their five match winning run in home fixtures with the visitors, most notably a 5-1 thrashing in Alonso’s second match in charge.
With both teams in very different situations than they found themselves in last year where they finished level on points with each other, the game promises to deliver again as Leverkusen look to achieve the unthinkable.
Team News
Frankfurt will be without Sasa Kalajdzic, Mehdi Loune and Sebastian Rode who all miss out with knee injuries.
Also on the absentee list is Spanish striker Nacho Ferri who missed last week's defeat to Bayern with the same ankle injury.
Fares Chaibi is a doubt for Toppmöller’s side with illness and will face a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s game.
A rare occurrence in modern day football but Alonso has a fully fit squad at his disposal after Adam Hložek and Borja Iglesias recovered from their respective injuries.
‘Die Werkself’ will be boosted by the return of the ever present Granit Xhaka who missed last week’s 2-2 draw with Stuttgart through suspension. The Swiss midfielder had started every Bundesliga game of the season until his ban and has played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s success.
With the visit of Daniele De Rossi’s Roma to come on Thursday night it would be no surprise to see some rotation in tomorrow’s lineup with Leverkusen’s strong squad depth allowing for key players like Florian Wirtz to be rested.
Likely Lineups
Trapp; Tuta, Koch, Pacho; Buta, Larsson, Skhiri, Dina Ebimbe; Marmoush, Götze; Ekitiké
Hrádecký; Kossounou, Tah, Hincapié; Tella, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Adli; Boniface
Key Players
Eintracht Frankfurt- Hugo Ekitiké
Following his January loan move from PSG, it was confirmed that Frankfurt have triggered the buy option in the French strikers contract after quickly becoming a fan favourite at the Deutsche Bank Park.
The 21 year old forward has started and scored in successive games for ‘Die Adler’ and appears to have settled well after a difficult spell with the French champions in which Ekitike scored just four goals following a big money move from Stade Reims.
It was at the French club where the talented striker announced himself, picking up 15 goal contributions when he was a teenager. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches, his speed and technical ability with the ball makes him a unique profile as a striker.
Still with a lot to learn, Ekitike’s talent and promise as one of the most exciting young strikers in world football could be key to Frankfurt’s push for European football and will be tested against the Bundesliga champions strong defence.
Bayer Leverkusen- Àlex Grimaldo
In the 2-2 draw with Stuttgart, Grimaldo produced his 13th assist of the season which puts him top of the Bundesliga assist charts, moving past last year's figure of 12 that was provided by Raphaël Guerreiro.
The Spanish wingback joined ‘Die Werkself’ in the summer on a free transfer from Benfica and has proved to be a revelation for Alonso’s record breakers, racking up an astonishing 29 goal contributions in all competitions.
Alongside his full back counterpart, Jeremie Frimpong, the two defenders have thrived in Alonso’s fluid, attacking system and have played a pivotal role in the unprecedented unbeaten run.
After what was undoubtedly the transfer of the summer, Grimaldo has adjusted to life in Germany extremely well and will be highly sought after in the summer as a result of not only his attacking play, but his determination and relentless nature when defending that has seen him in conversations for player of the year.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at the Deutsche Bank Park.
What time is kick off?
The game will kick off at 16:30. (GMT)
How can I watch?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Football’s YouTube channel.