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Eintracht Frankfurt faces Tottenham: Team updates & preview!

Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt: A Europa League Showdown

Tonight, Tottenham Hotspur faces off against Eintracht Frankfurt in a highly anticipated second leg of the Europa League quarter-final, with a coveted spot in the semi-finals at stake. The teams are evenly matched after last week’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.

Team News: Spurs’ Injury Woes and Frankfurt’s Key Players

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has to navigate a challenging injury scenario. The absence of captain Heung-min Son due to a persistent foot issue is a significant blow for the North London side. He was seen training with teammates ahead of departure but ultimately did not make the trip. Meanwhile, Wilson Odobert, who faced concerns over a slight hamstring issue, has recovered and is available for selection. Kevin Danso’s fitness remains uncertain after missing several matches due to a hamstring injury, adding a layer of unpredictability to Spurs’ defensive lineup.

On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt enters this fixture buoyed by recent form. They dominated FC Heidenheim in their last Bundesliga outing, marking a strong 3-0 victory. Hugo Ekitike continues to be a standout player for them, scoring consistently this season, including in the first leg against Spurs. Notably, Frankfurt has an excellent home record this season, remaining unbeaten in the Europa League, which may prove pivotal as they aim to defend their title from 2022.

Form Guide: Spurs Struggling Meanwhile Frankfurt Thriving

Frankfurt’s current form reads as WWLDW, demonstrating resilience and consistency. Sitting third in the Bundesliga table, their recent performances have solidified their position in the top four, ensuring a shot at Champions League qualification. Their victory over Heidenheim showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, raising expectations as they prepare for Spurs.

Conversely, Tottenham’s recent results tell a different story, with a record of LLWDL highlighting their struggles. A disheartening 4-2 defeat at Wolves over the weekend exacerbated the pressure on Postecoglou, with the team finding themselves perilously close to the drop zone in the Premier League. Individual errors marred their performance, leaving fans questioning the team’s mental resilience heading into a crucial European tie.

Previous Encounter: The First Leg Recap

The first leg was characterized by moments of quality and missed opportunities for Spurs, who had high hopes for a vital home win. The match unfolded at a frenetic pace, with Frankfurt capitalizing first through Ekitike’s stunning strike, leaving Tottenham reeling. However, the home side showcased their fighting spirit, eventually leveling the score through a clever goal from Pedro Porro.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Tottenham couldn’t find a way to secure a second goal. They were left frustrated by the impressive performance of Frankfurt’s goalkeeper Kaua Santos, who denied several attempts from Spurs, including a thumping effort from Lucas Bergvall that struck the woodwork. With this backdrop, the second leg promises to be just as thrilling.

Predicted Lineups: Tactical Considerations

Based on reports leading into the match, the predicted lineups for both teams reveal strategic choices from their respective managers:

Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp; Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Skhiri, Larsson, Bahoya, Gotze, Brown; Ekitike.

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Maddison.

Match Officials

Italian referee Davide Massa will officiate the encounter, supported by assistant referees Filippo Meli and Stefano Alassio, with Matteo Marcenaro serving as the fourth official. The VAR will be handled by Aleandro Di Paolo and assisted by Daniele Chiffi, ensuring that the match is adjudicated under strict oversight.

Broadcast Information

Fans eager to catch the action can tune in on TNT Sports 3 and Discovery+ in the UK. Kick-off is set for 20:00 BST, adding to the evening’s excitement.

Betting Odds Overview

Current betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this fixture, with Frankfurt slightly favored at 7/5, while Tottenham sits at 7/4 for the win. A draw is available at 27/10, indicating the uncertainty surrounding this knock-out clash.

As both sides gear up for this crucial encounter, the fervor of the Europa League provides the backdrop for what promises to be an enthralling match. For more updates and insights on the Europa League, visit [UEFA’s official site](https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/).

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