FC Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt preview: League leaders host Riera's troops | OneFootball

FC Bayern Munich entertain Eintracht Frankfurt as the Rekordmeister hope to consolidate their lead at the Bundesliga summit.

FC Bayern

The next two weeks would be crucial in Bundesliga's title race. Before their head-to-head game in Dortmund, the two teams will face European hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig, respectively. Vincent Kompany's side will have the chance to extend the gap before the Topspiel of matchday 23.

After dropping points in successive games for the first time this season, Bayern comfortably beat Hoffenheim and Bremen, while they are through to the DFB-Pokal semi-final. With the season heading go to the final months, Germany’s powerhouse are still in a chance for another treble.

Luis Diaz, who has either scored or assisted in each of the last five games in all competitions, was the difference maker in the reverse fixture. The Colombian winger's brace was sandwiched by an assist for Harry Kane's customary goal. The Englishman reached the 500 goals milestone with his 100th converted penalty-kick in Bremen. Bayern target a third successive win over Frankfurt for the first time since 2020.

Team News

There have been lots of talks regarding the possibility of resting the players who are in four yellow cards. Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah and Leon Goretzka are all at the risk of missing the game against Borussia Dortmund. 

On the contrary, Michael Olise will return to the side after missing the win in Bremen due to suspension. Kompany confirmed Manuel Neuer will not be ready for Saturday’s game.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Albert Riera is unbeaten in his first two matches as Eintracht Frankfurt coach. The Spaniard marks his Waldstadion debut with a 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach a week after a draw with Union Berlin. Riera played at Manchester City in a short loan deal from Espanyol, but it was before Kompany’s arrival that shaped the club's bright future.

Although they're still far from the top six, Frankfurt could achieve European qualification if Bundesliga teams perform well this season or one of the top teams lift the cup. Markus Krosche would be delighted with last week's clean sheet after his strong stance on the lack of defensive solidarity during Dino Toppmöller's reign.

Frankfurt’s last win at Allianz Arena came in the 2021-22 season when Filip Kostic inspired Oliver Glasner’s side to a deserved 2-1 victory. They held Bayern to a memorable 3-3 draw at the start of last campaign, but they had Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike on their ranks at the time.

Team News

The big question mark for Frankfurt would be the player who will lead the attack. Arnaud Kalimuendo is hoping to return in time from shoulder injury, while Jonathan Burkardt could be an option after a long-term injury. Ansgar Knauff, who could have played as a false nine, is also out after last week's game.

Predicted Lineups

Bayern: Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Pavlovic, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Luis Diaz; Kane ©

Frankfurt: Kaua Santos; Collins, Amenda, Koch; Doan, Höjlund, Larsson, Brown; Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Götze; Bahoya