Eintracht Frankfurt eyes victory against a turbulent Bayer Leverkusen, who are adjusting to a new coach. Frankfurt’s strong form and Leverkusen’s instability create an opportunity for the Eagles to break their losing streak and secure three points.
The BayArena is set to host a fascinating Bundesliga encounter this Friday as Bayer Leverkusen welcomes Eintracht Frankfurt. This match marks the beginning of a new era for Leverkusen under the guidance of their freshly appointed head coach, Kasper Hjulmand. Meanwhile, Frankfurt arrives with the wind in their sails, eager to prolong their unblemished record at the start of the season.
Leverkusen's recent decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag, merely weeks into his tenure, sent ripples throughout the league. Despite a comfortable DFB-Pokal victory and a thrilling 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, underlying tensions related to trust and player dissatisfaction with training methodologies led to his swift dismissal. This surprising move etched Ten Hag's name into Bundesliga history, albeit for the wrong reasons, as he became the first manager to be sacked after only two league games.
Now, Kasper Hjulmand steps into the fray, inheriting the managerial hot seat on a two-year contract. His primary objective is to bring stability to the club and rejuvenate the morale around the BayArena. The Danish coach, who has been without a club since his departure from the national team in 2023, is bracing himself for a challenging series of initial fixtures. Nevertheless, he will be determined to establish a solid foundation from the outset.
In terms of team composition, considering Hjulmand has only had a couple of training sessions with his new squad, he might opt for a lineup similar to the one that relinquished a two-goal advantage against Bremen. Jeanuel Belocian is nearing a comeback from a significant knee injury and could gradually be reintegrated into the team. However, veteran Jonas Hofmann remains on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue that has plagued him since the end of the previous season.
Eintracht Frankfurt's confidence is soaring as they make their way to the BayArena, having commenced the new season in spectacular fashion. Dino Toppmoller's squad showcased their prowess by dismantling Engers 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal, before securing emphatic Bundesliga victories against Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim. In these two league encounters, they demonstrated their attacking might by scoring seven goals.
Frankfurt has already displayed indications of matching or even surpassing their attacking achievements from the previous season, during which they ranked among the league's top scorers, only surpassed by Dortmund, Bayern, and their upcoming opponents, Leverkusen. This offensive momentum positions them as formidable adversaries for a Leverkusen side still grappling with managerial changes and uncertainty.
Toppmoller will need to strategically manage his resources, particularly with Frankfurt's Champions League opener against Galatasaray fast approaching next week. Despite this consideration, the prospect of ending an 11-match losing streak against Leverkusen will serve as a significant motivator for the visiting team.
Regarding team news, Kaua Santos continues to be unavailable, implying that Michael Zetterer is expected to maintain his position in goal. World Cup champion Mario Gotze's fitness is in question due to a muscle problem, while forward Jessic Ngankam is also uncertain due to recent leg complications.
Bayer Leverkusen finds itself in a state of flux, undergoing its second managerial transition before the end of September. As Kasper Hjulmand familiarizes himself with his new surroundings, it may take time for Die Werkself to regain their equilibrium. This instability presents Eintracht Frankfurt with a prime opportunity. Riding high on a wave of goals and three consecutive victories across all competitions, Dino Toppmoller's team arrives in Leverkusen brimming with self-assurance.
Considering their current form and Leverkusen's internal turbulence, the Eagles appear poised to finally break their unfavorable head-to-head record and secure all three points on Friday night. They are in a good position to capitalize on Leverkusen's instability and claim a valuable victory on the road. The attacking prowess of Frankfurt, combined with Leverkusen's defensive vulnerabilities, could prove to be a decisive factor in this highly anticipated Bundesliga clash.
The match promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams having their own objectives and challenges to overcome. For Leverkusen, it's about finding stability and rediscovering their form under a new manager. For Frankfurt, it's about continuing their winning streak and proving their credentials as a top contender in the league. The outcome of this match could set the tone for both teams' seasons, making it a must-watch for football fans.
The tactical battle between Hjulmand and Toppmoller will be intriguing, as both managers will look to impose their style of play on the game. Hjulmand will need to quickly instill his philosophy and get the best out of his players, while Toppmoller will aim to exploit Leverkusen's weaknesses and maintain his team's attacking momentum.