DFB-Pokal | Round of 16

Dec 4, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Red Bull Arena

RB Leipzigvs.Frankfurt

Match preview

RB Leipzig let in three goals in the first 16 minutes against Wolfsburg and only managed to get on the scoreboard in the 82nd minute when they were already down 4-0.

Rose has been under a lot of pressure recently, with the club losing five and drawing one of their last six games.

The Die Roten Bullen boss spoke about his position as head coach after his side lost to Wolfsburg, saying: "I was the right coach when we didn't lose in 19 games, but I also know that questions arise."

Leipzig beat St Pauli 4-2 on 29 October in the previous round of the DFB-Pokal. They've been excellent in the competition in recent years, winning it in 2021-22 and 2022-23, while finishing as runners-up in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

The hosts have lost three, drawn one and won two of their last six home matches. They've also won their last seven DFB-Pokal games at Red Bull Arena.

Eintracht Frankfurt also had a good day, beating Heidenheim 4-0. Omar Marmoush was the star of the show, scoring twice and helping to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to just four points.

In their last game in the DFB-Pokal on 30 October, the Eagles beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1. Despite having a player sent off in the 15th minute, they still managed to achieve victory.

Dino Toppmöller's team have scored 31 times and conceded 16 times in the top flight, making them the league's second-best offensive and joint fifth-best defensive club.

Toppmoller's team are on a roll, having won seven games in a row and eight out of eight in all competitions.

Eintracht Frankfurt have also done well away from home this season, winning six of their last eight away games.

Recent Performance

RB Leipzig DFB-Pokal form:WW

RB Leipzig form (all competitions):LLDLLL

Eintracht Frankfurt DFB-Pokal form:WW

Eintracht Frankfurt form (all competitions):WWWWWW

Team News

Leipzig have a lot of defenders out with injuries, so they won't be able to call on Castello Lukeba, David Raum, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Lukas Klostermann. It looks like Rose will have to select a back four of Lutsharel Geertruida, Willi Orban, Nicolas Seiwald and Benjamin Henrichs.

Midfielders Eljif Elmas and Forzan Assan Ouedraogo are also out, so Arthur Vermeeren and Kevin Kampl might start in a double pivot instead.

Xavi Simons and Yussuf Poulsen are out with injuries, so strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda could be supported by Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa.

Frankfurt have a relatively healthy squad, with only centre-back Aurelien Amenda a concern due to injury.

It looks like Tuta and Robin Koch will be picked to play in the centre of defence, while Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson could partner up in midfield.

Possible starting lineup

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:

Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Seiwald, Henrichs; Baumgartner, Vermeeren, Kampl, Nusa; Sesko, Openda

Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:

Trapp; Collins, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Knauff, Skhiri, Larsson, Gotze; Ekitike, Marmoush