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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool – Champions League Preview

Date: Wednesday, 22nd October 2025

Venue: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Liverpool travel to Germany in desperate need of a response to a horrendous run of results. Four straight defeats — spanning both Premier League and Champions League competition — have turned early-season optimism into genuine concern for a fanbase that was only recently celebrating a huge transfer window of change. What was once viewed as a brief wobble now feels like a crisis of structure and confidence, one which has portions of the support on the turn. Arne Slot, who began his reign with tactical clarity and control, suddenly finds himself searching for answers in a side that looks fragile in both phases. Teams are sensing blood, which has spilt into the footballing waters.

For the champions of England, the pressure has rarely been higher than this moment, certainly since the days of Rodgers and Hodgson. Frankfurt away is never an easy fixture — loud, organised, and tactically disciplined, the Bundesliga outfit will sense weakness in a Liverpool team struggling to maintain rhythm and belief.

Eintracht Frankfurt Availability

Dino Toppmöller’s side has been inconsistent in Europe thus far, which mirrors that of their upcoming opponents. Frankfurt’s home record in continental competition is formidable, and they’ll relish the chance to test an unsteady Liverpool backline, especially after their 5-1 demolition of visiting Galatasaray. That result was reversed, however, when they visited Atletico Madrid and lost by the same scoreline.

Elias Baum and Oscar Højlund are missing due to injury, so the team will be as strong as possible.

Key midfielder Farès Chaïbi is expected to start after overcoming a minor knock, while Jonathan Burkardt and Can Uzun remain the club’s most direct attacking threats. Robin Koch anchors the defence, and Kauã Santos provides vital qualities from the goal. Mario Götze could bring a wealth of experience in this fascinating tie.

Predicted Eintracht Frankfurt Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Kauã Santos

RB: Rasmus Kristensen

RCB: Robin Koch

LCB: Aurèle Amenda

LB: Arthur Theate

CM: Farès Chaïbi

CM: Hugo Larsson

ACM: Can Uzun

RW: Mario Götze

CF: Jonathan Burkardt

LW: Ritsu Doan

Liverpool Availability

A run of four losses has not just dented Liverpool’s confidence — it has exposed flaws that have lingered since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer departure. The defensive line feels uncertain, midfield cohesion is fractured, and the attack lacks fluency.

Arne Slot is expected to make several changes in search of balance and intensity. Joe Gomez could replace Ibrahima Konaté to add composure at the back, while Jeremie Frimpong may finally return to his natural right-back position. Andy Robertson returns on the opposite flank to provide leadership and stability.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are likely to anchor a system that allows Florian Wirtz to push forward and reassert his authority in central areas. Up top, Hugo Ekitike could earn a deserved start after impressing in cameos — his movement, strength, and composure offer something Liverpool have sorely missed in recent weeks.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB: Jeremie Frimpong

RCB: Joe Gomez

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

CM: Curtis Jones

ACM: Florian Wirtz

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Hugo Ekitike

LW: Federico Chiesa

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How Will This Contest Play Out?

Liverpool’s challenge will be regaining control — both of the ball and their composure. Frankfurt will look to press high and hit transitions quickly, especially through a young and fearless roster of assets. If Slot’s men can dictate the tempo, particularly through Wirtz and Jones, they should have enough quality to edge the contest.

The worry remains defensive lapses and a lack of rhythm in the final third. However, with Ekitike showing signs of form and Salah desperate to break his drought, this could finally be the night the champions rediscover their edge.

Player to Watch: Hugo Ekitike

The Frenchman has emerged as Liverpool’s most in-form forward, offering dynamism and physical presence through the middle. Despite the £125m arrival of Alexander Isak, Ekitike’s intelligence and pressing intensity make him the best fit for Slot’s evolving system.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Eintracht Frankfurt 2 – 2 Liverpool

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