The Daily Star Ireland
Liverpool travel to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage fixture at the Deutsche Bank Park. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in Europe so far, with Liverpool’s attack firing freely but defensive lapses costing points, while Eintracht look to rebound from recent setbacks after a bright start.
Match Preview
Eintracht Frankfurt began their Champions League campaign in style, crushing Galatasaray 5–1, only to suffer a humbling 5–1 defeat at Atlético Madrid in the following match. That inconsistency has left them sitting in the playoff zone, desperate to regain momentum. Domestically, Frankfurt’s form mirrors their European rollercoaster. After falling 0–3 to Bayern Munich, they slipped to seventh in the Bundesliga and entered this week under pressure to respond. Their away draw in Freiburg offered a glimmer of stability, but their defense remains a concern.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been their usual entertaining selves — unpredictable but thrilling. The Reds opened their European campaign by edging Atlético Madrid 3–2 before a shocking 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul exposed their fragility on the road. Those results place them in the same position as Frankfurt: one win, one loss, and plenty of work to do. Domestically, Liverpool’s form has also wobbled, with back-to-back 2–1 defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea halting their Premier League push. Still, with Arne Slot at the helm and key attackers finding rhythm, Liverpool remain one of the competition’s most dangerous sides.
Team Form & Recent Results
Eintracht Frankfurt (Last 5 Matches): W–L–D–L–D
- Goals Scored: 8
- Goals Conceded: 10
- Home Record: 4W–1L in last five European home fixtures
Liverpool (Last 5 Matches): W–L–L–W–L
- Goals Scored: 7
- Goals Conceded: 8
- Away Record: 2W–3L in last five away matches
Frankfurt’s defensive instability has cost them points, while Liverpool’s high-scoring style continues to produce results — and goals — at both ends.
Head-to-Head Record
- Previous Meetings: None in European competition
- Goals per Match (last 10 combined UCL games): 3.8 average
- Clean Sheets (combined): 2 in 10 matches
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, but both bring attacking intent and shaky defenses — a recipe for goals.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
Eintracht Frankfurt (expected lineup):
Trapp – Kristensen, Koch, Pacho, Max – Skhiri, Larsson – Bahoya, Doan, Uzun – Burkardt
Unavailable: Ngankam (injured), Baum (injured)
Doubtful: Kristensen (fitness test)
Key Players:
- Burkardt: Top scorer with 5 goals across all competitions, including 3 in the UCL.
- Uzun: Involved in 10 goals this season, one of Frankfurt’s breakout stars.
- Doan: Brings balance and creativity on the right flank (4 goals, 4 assists).
Liverpool (expected lineup):
Mamardashvili – Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson – Mac Allister, Szoboszlai – Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike – Isak
Unavailable: Alisson (injured), Leoni (long-term), Williams (unregistered)
Doubtful: Konaté (fitness issue)
Key Players:
- Mohamed Salah: 3 goals, 3 assists — still Liverpool’s main attacking force.
- Ekitike: A bright spark with 5 goals in all competitions, adding a new dimension.
- Wirtz: Yet to hit form but capable of unlocking tight defenses with his vision.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Eintracht’s Approach:
Coach Dino Toppmöller emphasizes structured pressing and quick wide play. With Doan and Bahoya providing pace, Frankfurt look to hit opponents on the counter. Their weakness lies in transition defense — conceding eight goals in their last three matches due to poor recovery runs and spacing between midfield and defense.
Liverpool’s Approach:
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool continue their high-intensity, attacking identity, often using an aggressive 4-2-3-1 shape. Salah and Ekitike provide directness, while Alexander-Arnold’s inverted role adds an extra passing outlet in midfield. The key will be whether Liverpool can protect their backline against Frankfurt’s rapid counters.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Uzun vs Gomez: Frankfurt’s creative hub against Liverpool’s most aggressive defender.
- Salah vs Pacho: A duel that could decide the match; Salah’s pace vs Pacho’s strength.
- Mac Allister vs Skhiri: The midfield battle for control and tempo.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Eintracht 4.20 | Draw 3.70 | Liverpool 1.80
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.65 | Under 2.15
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.70 | No 2.00
Top Betting Picks:
- Liverpool to Win & Over 2.5 Goals (2.10): Both teams favor open football, and Liverpool’s attack should prevail.
- Both Teams to Score (1.70): Defensive lapses on both sides make this likely.
- Salah to Score Anytime (2.05): In form and always decisive in big European nights.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany
- Kickoff: October 30, 2025 – 20:00 CET / 19:00 BST
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26
- Broadcast: TNT Sports, Paramount+, DAZN
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (US), DAZN (Europe)
Kickoff: Wednesday, October 30, 2025 – 20:00 CET
Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool, UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Expect an open and entertaining encounter between two attacking sides with defensive flaws. Eintracht’s home advantage might help them stay competitive early, but Liverpool’s quality in transition and individual brilliance should make the difference.
Final Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–3 Liverpool
Best Bet: Liverpool to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Liverpool’s firepower, led by Salah and Ekitike, should overpower Frankfurt’s shaky defense as the Reds look to reclaim control of their Champions League group.
