The Bundesliga returns with a highlight clash between two of the league’s finest, as Eintracht Frankfurt will be hoping this match marks the start of better times, while Borussia Dortmund will try to maintain their position as the best of the rest.
Eintracht Frankfurt fans are probably ready for anything after this chaotic half-season. The Eagles are just one point away from Europe, and their goal difference is 0.
The team has scored 30 goals in 15 games, which puts them in third place in the Bundesliga in terms of goals scored, but they have also conceded 30.
Their games have averaged 4.0 goals, which puts them just behind Bayern Munich, whose games have averaged 4.4 goals.
Their defensive problems were particularly evident in their four losses this season, each of which was against a team in the current Top 8. In each of those losses, Eintracht conceded at least three goals.
Borussia Dortmund have been almost flawless in the Bundesliga so far, with their only loss coming against the champions, who are racing towards defending their title.
In a more normal season, Dortmund would be serious contenders for the title. Now, however, they are a full nine points behind Bayern, and their primary task is to secure their spot in the Top 4 while competing in the Champions League.
How the bookies view it: Did they underestimate the Eagles?
It probably wasn't easy for the bookies to calculate the odds, and we definitely were a bit surprised by the final result. We expected Borussia Dortmund to be the favourites, but the difference is quite significant.
At the moment, you can back Eintracht Frankfurt at around 23/10, while Borussia are available at 11/10. The draw is also steadily priced at 13/5.
Recent head-to-head: Dortmund's favourite rival
We can safely say that, statistically speaking, Eintracht Frankfurt must be Borussia Dortmund's favourite opponent, as BVB have dominated the rivalry from the very beginning with few exceptions.
Borussia have more wins against the Eagles in the Bundesliga than any other team – 51 in total. And that is unlikely to change, considering that they have won seven of the last 10 H2Hs.
However, it should be noted that Eintracht managed to win last year's clash in Frankfurt (2-0).
Players to watch: Brandt scored four goals in three games
Julian Brandt is in the form of his life, having been the driving force behind his team's success over the past month. The 29-year-old German has scored four goals in his last three games for Dortmund and is definitely worth putting your faith in against the second-weakest defense in the Bundesliga.
We can also add that Brandt has scored three goals in his last four visits to Deutsche Bank Park, so he definitely enjoys playing at this stadium.
Probable line-ups
Eintracht Frankfurt: Kaua, Collins, Koch, Theate, Kristensen, Larsson, Dahoud, Brown, Doan, Uzun, Knauff
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Schlotterbeck, Can, Anton, Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson, Beier, Guirassy
Anything else catch the eye?
Borussia Dortmund are certainly not among the highest-scoring teams lately, but that is not usually a factor in matches against Eintracht Frankfurt. Seven of the last 10 H2Hs have ended with at least three goals, and overall, every match since 2016 has featured at least two.
Borussia have also scored at least two goals in each of their last eight Bundesliga matches against the Eagles. This is our main bet for this match. We prefer not to risk betting on a winner and will take advantage of this alternative.
We can also note that only five of the 21 matches between them in the last decade have not included goals from both teams.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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