The Champions League returns for its final stretch of two rounds, and Qarabag will host Eintracht Frankfurt in Baku, as both sides hope for a successful final push that will earn them a place among the qualified teams.
The latest edition of UEFA’s oldest competition has featured an unbelievable number of surprises, and Eintracht Frankfurt being near the bottom of the league table ranks among the biggest ones.
The Eagles managed to win just one of their six fixtures to date and have the third-worst defence out of 36 teams, with 16 conceded goals. Their goal difference highlights their core problem this season. Eintracht have a capable attack, but their defence has been horrendous from the start.
With two rounds left, the Eagles are not out of it yet, but need to win both matches and hope that their rivals for the last places fail.
Wednesday’s hosts Qarabag are in a much better position, sitting 22nd after winning seven points across the first six rounds. Nevertheless, the Horsemen failed to win any of the last four matches, but were fairly competitive even in defeat.
How the bookies view it: The Eagles to overcome the Horsemen
Bookmakers are expecting another competitive match involving Qarabag, with the odds not being too far apart. However, it's still assumed that the visitors from Frankfurt have a better chance of winning.
At the moment, you can back Qarabag at 21/10, while Eintracht Frankfurt are available at 23/20. Last but not least, you can choose a draw at 14/5.
Recent head-to-head: Eintracht won both H2Hs a decade ago
Eintracht Frankfurt and Qarabag have only met twice, 12 years ago. Their two matches were part of the qualifying rounds for the Europa League in 2013, with Eintracht winning both legs with a total score of 4-1.
Players to watch: Knauff can make the difference
Eintracht Frankfurt’s form deteriorated as their injury list grew, and the Eagles will once again have to manage without a number of key players. Top goalscorer Jonathan Burkardt remains out with an ankle injury.
Ansgar Knauff saved his team from defeat on Friday while only playing 39 minutes, so he is guaranteed a spot in the starting line-up. Besides Burkardt, Knauff is the team’s top scorer in the Champions League with two goals in six matches.
Probable line-ups
Qarabag: Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev, Bicalho, Jankovic, Andrade, Zoubir, Addai, Duran
Eintracht Frankfurt: Kaua, Theate, Koch, Collins, Doan, Chaibi, Larsson, Brown, Gotze, Uzun, Knauff
Anything else catch the eye?
Eintracht Frankfurt sacked Dino Toppmoller on Sunday, leaving the team with a pair of youth coaches in the interim role. This will either lead to a complete collapse or the team will suddenly improve, which often happens in similar cases.
Qarabag’s strong home form makes us believe that we are in for a goal-packed affair, while a draw seems quite probable given both teams’ performances in the previous rounds.
Eintracht have been part of some extreme fixtures this season, with six of their last 10 away games featuring at least four goals.
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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