Qarabag FK is set to host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on Wednesday. This UEFA Champions League match is crucial for both teams as they strive to improve their standings in the tournament.
Match Preview: Qarabag FK vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Qarabag currently holds the 22nd position in the standings with seven points. They aim for a top-24 finish as they enter the final stage of the competition. The team has enjoyed a solid run, amassing seven points from six matches, which includes two wins, one draw, and three losses. Key victories against FC Copenhagen and SL Benfica highlight their competitive spirit.
As for their overall performance, Qarabag has had three wins, one draw, and two losses in their last six matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals while conceding nine. Their home advantage in Baku has proven significant with an aggressive attacking style and control of territory.
Previous Encounters
- Qarabag FK and Eintracht Frankfurt have faced each other twice before in the 2013 Europa League qualifying rounds.
- Eintracht Frankfurt emerged victorious with a 4-1 aggregate score.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Current Situation
Eintracht Frankfurt arrives in Baku amid considerable turmoil. Following a series of poor domestic and European results, head coach Dino Toppmoller was dismissed after the team’s disappointing performance in the Champions League. Currently, Frankfurt has only four points from six matches, consisting of one win, one draw, and four losses.
The interim management is in the hands of Dennis Schmitt and Alexander Meier, aiming to restore stability. Frankfurt’s recent form has not been favorable either, with a record of one win, three draws, and two losses in their last six matches, where they scored 11 goals and allowed 12.
Injury Updates
Qarabag’s squad is relatively intact, with no new injury concerns. However, Kady Borges is sidelined due to an injury sustained during their match against Chelsea. Defenders Kevin Medina and Matheus Silva are at risk of suspension if they receive yellow cards.
Conversely, Frankfurt faces several injury worries. Key players such as Jonathan Burkardt, Timothy Chandler, and Elias Baum will miss the match due to various injuries. Furthermore, Mario Gotze and Rasmus Kristensen are also unavailable.
Predicted Lineups
Qarabag FK
- Kochalski
- Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev
- Bicalho, Jankovic
- Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir
- Duran
Eintracht Frankfurt
- Santos
- Collins, Koch, Theate, Brown
- Skhiri, Dahoud
- Doan, Uzun, Chaibi
- Knauff
Match Prediction
With Qarabag appearing confident after their winter break and reflecting on their home performances, they are anticipated to take advantage of Frankfurt’s current instability. Based on recent performances, a close match is expected, with Qarabag likely to secure a 2-1 victory over the Eagles.
