Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Augsburg preview: The race for Europe heats up

Two teams fighting for European qualification will go head-to-head when Eintracht Frankfurt welcome Augsburg to Deutsche Bank Park for Friday’s Bundesliga contest.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Frankfurt are currently experiencing a poor run of form after taking just two points from their last four matches. Die Adler followed a defeat to Borussia Dortmund with consecutive home draws against Union Berlin and Werder Bremen. However, they were unable to take anything from last Saturday’s away clash with Stuttgart. Serhou Guirassy, Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling all scored first-half goals to condemn Frankfurt to a disappointing 3-0 defeat.

Although Frankfurt remain in sixth spot, their four-game winless run has allowed Augsburg and Freiburg to close the gap to just three points. As a result, die Adler still have work to do in their final five matches if they are to achieve a top-six finish for the first time in three years.

Dino Toppmöller’s side will now turn their focus to Friday’s contest, where they will attempt to extend their unbeaten home run to nine league matches. Frankfurt may have proven a tough team to beat at Deutsche Bank Park, but they have been frustrated with a flurry of draws, having seen four of their previous five Bundesliga home games finish all square.

Team News

The hosts are without the services of Sebastian Rode, Mehdi Loune, Jean Bahoya and Sasa Kalajdzic, while Tuta is set to miss out through suspension. Frankfurt are hopeful that Ellyes Skhiri will be fit to feature against Augsburg.

Augsburg

Augsburg are dreaming of European qualification after putting together a strong run of results. The Fuggerstädter have managed to win four of their last six matches (D1, L1), including a 2-0 victory in last Friday’s home meeting with Union Berlin. Phillip Tietz broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, before Sven Michel scored against his former club to seal all three points. 

Having collected 39 points from 29 matches, Augsburg have already surpassed last season’s tally by five points. As a result, the Fuggerstädter are now firmly in the race to secure their first top-six finish since 2014.

Jess Thorup’s side know they will move level with Frankfurt if they can claim maximum points in Friday’s away clash. The visitors may be able to take confidence from the fact they beat Frankfurt 2-1 in December’s reverse fixture. However, they have failed to win on their last four trips to Deutsche Bank Park (D2, L2).

Team News

The visitors are unable to call upon Robert Gumny, Reece Oxford, Fredrik Jensen, Raphael Framberger, Iago, Elvis Rexhbecaj and Niklas Dorsch. Meanwhile, Ruben Vargas is a doubt for Friday's away fixture.