Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are hoping to start the new calendar year on a positive note, as they’re trying to catch up with Bayern Munich, who built a nine-point cushion in the German top-flight standings before the holidays. Niko Kovac’s men are behind the Bavarian giants with 32 points, and they’re up against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park this Friday evening.
The Yellow Wall are among the most in-form teams in Germany, as they’ve lost just one of their last 23 Bundesliga matches. Since their Der Klassiker defeat against Bayern Munich in Matchday 7, Borussia Dortmund went on an eight-game unbeaten run.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt are seventh in the table with 25 points. Dino Toppmoller’s side is undefeated in their last two, including a 1-1 draw against Hamburger SV last time out.
Learn more about these two teams in today’s SBOTOP match preview.
Talking Points
Eintracht Frankfurt seek more firepower
Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent league results have been a mixed bag due to their lacklustre attack, and Jonathan Burkardt’s absence played a pivotal role in their downfall. Since Burkardt went down with a calf injury during their 3-0 loss against Atalanta in the Champions League last November, Eintracht Frankfurt scored four goals while conceding 10 on the other end against VfL Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig, Barcelona, Augsburg, and Hamburger SV. Michy Batshuayi, Ansgar Knauff, Ritsu Doan, and Hugo Larsson were on the scoresheet during that period.
Burkardt’s injury was poor timing because the 25-year-old striker is one of the frontrunners in this season’s Golden Boot. He is level with the second-placed Luis Diaz and Deniz Undav with eight goals, 11 goals adrift of Harry Kane. However, if he continues to miss time, Burkardt will definitely slide down in the scoring charts.
With Burkardt doubtful to play on Friday, Die Adler will need more from Can Uzun, Ritsu Doan, Ansgar Knauff, and Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who combine for 13 league goals so far this season. The team must also find a way to compensate without their top playmaker, Fares Chaibi (six assists), who’s representing Algeria in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Moreover, Eintracht Frankfurt have been proactive in the early stages of the winter transfer window, as they’ve brought in Younes Ebnoutalib, Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Keito Kumashiro, Keita Kosugi, and Love Arrhov.
Key defenders could return for Borussia Dortmund
The long holiday break has certainly helped Borussia Dortmund, as they enter the new calendar year with a healthier squad. According to head coach Niko Kovac, Waldemar Anton and Aaron Anselmino, who missed BVB’s last two games of 2025 through injury, are expected to return soon. With Anton on the sidelines, Emre Can had been a makeshift centre-back, playing alongside Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule.
Borussia Dortmund’s midfield depth is a concern, as Pascal Groß left for Brighton, in a move that Kovac was slightly salty about. Jobe Bellingham is also serving his suspension after receiving a straight red card against SC Freiburg last month.
History
Borussia Dortmund have won six of their last 10 Bundesliga meetings with Eintracht Frankfurt (D2, L2). However, Die Adler won the last league encounter with a score of 2-0 at Deutsche Bank Park in January 2025, as Hugo Ekitike and Oscar Hojlund were on the scoresheet.
The Yellow Wall got their revenge a few months later, beating Die Adler via penalties in the DFB-Pokal second round after going 1-1 in regulation. Borussia Dortmund eventually lost 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16 last December.
As mentioned, BVB are on an eight-game unbeaten run in the German top-flight (W5, D3). League leaders Bayern Munich are currently the only side enjoying a longer undefeated streak than Borussia Dortmund.
Betting Tip
The Bundesliga 2026 odds predict a relatively close fight between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund. Because they’re in better form, the Yellow Wall have the edge at 2.09, whereas Die Adler aren’t far behind at 3.04, and a draw is valued at 3.38 in the 1X2 market.
Based on recent history, fans at Deutsche Bank Park will get their usual dose of Bundesliga 2026 highlights in this fixture, with Borussia Dortmund likely to score more. Besides our recommended bet, bettors may also consider adding Over 2.50 at 1.62, Over 2.75 at 1.82, and Total Goals 2-3 at 2.06 to the parlay. However, if you fancy Eintracht Frankfurt winning, then check out the Correct Score of 2-0 in their favour – the result of their last league meeting – as it is on offer at 20.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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