A prolonged stretch of unconvincing results has put a cloud over Borussia Dortmund's coaching staff. In their debut match of the second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, they will give their all for Nuri Şahin—the promising specialist is on the brink of dismissal, while Eintracht Frankfurt are likely to undergo changes in their lineup.
The winter break did wonders for Eintracht Frankfurt, which ended 2024 with a streak of five matches without a win, including four losses. Convenient opponents like the struggling St. Pauli (1:0) and Freiburg (4:1) have helped Frankfurt claw back into the top three, although they trail leaders Bayern Munich by nine points. Eintracht Frankfurt have conceded 12 goals in eight home matches (the ninth-worst record), and they are likely to lose Omar Marmoush, who has already agreed terms with Manchester City and might even be left out of the squad.
At home against Bayer Leverkusen (2:3), Borussia showed resilience in a difficult personnel situation, almost managing a comeback against the reigning champions (1.49 xG). Away at Holstein Kiel (2:4), it was Jamie Gittens who shone once again; the Englishman has 6+1 in his last nine games and is among the Bundesliga’s top 10 scorers. Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to falter on Friday—with players returning to fitness, Nuri Şahin will mount a formidable challenge against their competitor.
In the first leg, Eintracht couldn't handle Borussia, conceding two goals to Gittens in the final 20 minutes (0:2 and 7-7 in shots). With the potential loss of Marmoush, Eintracht Frankfurt find themselves in a vulnerable position, so let's go with a double chance for the visitors.
