Frankfurt vs Spurs: Europa League Preview

Spurs are looking to salvage their disastrous season by going all the way in the Europa League, but a trip to 2022's winners is about as tough as it gets in this year's edition. The North London side are headed into this match without an advantage after the draw in the first leg and will have to turn around some poor recent form that has seen them lose five of their last seven knockout stage away games in all UEFA competitions. On top of this, Spurs are on a bleak run of 1W 6L from their last 7 away days in all competitions, with a 4-1 win over relegation-favourites Ipswich their only win in this spell.

Frankfurt will be hoping to repeat their heroics of 2022, when they beat Rangers on penalties to lift the Europa League trophy in Seville. With the final once again in Spain, they will be hoping history rhymes once more and they can head to Bilbao to lift the trophy in May. In the last round, they easily disposed of the best side in the Netherlands this year, thumping Ajax at home in the second leg to take a big 6-2 aggregate win. Frankfurt were very quick out of the blocks in this match, bagging the opener after just 6 minutes and being 2-0 up and on 1.58 xG by the 25th minute. Tottenham could well be dazzled if Frankfurt start this well again given their struggles in recent weeks.

First Leg Recap

The first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie finely balanced. Pedro Porro's stunning flicked equaliser ensured Spurs remained in contention after Frankfurt had taken an early lead through a sumptuous Ekitike finish on the break. Despite dominating possession and chance creation stats, Tottenham were unable to secure a home victory, setting the stage for a decisive encounter in Frankfurt.

Team News

Eintracht Frankfurt welcomed the return of attackers Can Uzun and Elye Wahi to the fold in recent weeks, but they’ll remain without influential wide man Ansgar Knauff, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Star goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is still recovering from a shin injury, meaning Kaua Santos – who impressed with a string of saves in North London – is expected to retain his place between the sticks. Jens Grahl is ineligible for European competition, as is young midfielder Oscar Højlund, who featured at the weekend but won’t play a part in this second leg.

Tottenham could be without skipper Son Heung-min, who missed the trip to Wolves with a foot injury and is now a doubt to make his 68th European appearance for the club – a new record if he features. Ange Postecoglou sounded hopeful, but Son's availability may remain uncertain until closer to kick-off. Wilson Odobert was rested at the weekend to keep him fresh for this clash, while Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven were all unused substitutes and are expected to return to the starting XI here. Dejan Kulusevski made his return off the bench and is pushing to start, especially if Son is ruled out, but defenders Kevin Danso and Radu Drăgușin remain out.

Stats Watch

• Frankfurt have been formidable at home in the Europa League this season, winning four of their five matches at Deutsche Bank Park. The German side have averaged 2.2 goals per game at home in the Europa League this campaign, highlighting their attacking threat.
• Spurs have conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game in their away Europa League fixtures, and have lost 5 of their last 7 knockout away days in UEFA competitions.
• Hugo Ekitike is having a breakout season up top for Frankfurt, and 7 of his 30 goal involvements have come in the Europa League this campaign. Solanke leads the way for Spurs, with 6 UEL goals and assists in his first season in North London.

With the tie evenly poised, Thursday's encounter promises to be a thrilling affair. Frankfurt will look to capitalise on their home advantage and continue their impressive European run, while Tottenham must overcome their away struggles to keep their Europa League hopes alive. Ange Postecoglou appears to be running out of time to salvage Spurs’ season and potentially his place in the hotseat. It's do-or-die for Tottenham now in the raucous atmosphere at Frankfurt.