DFB Cup finalists Eintracht Frankfurt have ground to make up on the top four when they host Hertha Berlin on Saturday (kick-off: 3:30 PM CEST/ 01:30 PM GMT/ 9:30 AM EST).
Latest
After going three games without a win in the Bundesliga, seventh-placed Frankfurt hit back in style in midweek, dumping out Schalke to set up a DFB Cup final with Niko Kovac's future employers Bayern Munich. Kevin-Prince Boateng was taken off injured in the first half of what was a gruelling contest, which may well force the Frankfurt boss into more than one change at the weekend. Luka Jovic scored the only goal, but may be rested for this one. Mijat Gacinovic, who replaced Boateng, at the Veltins Arena, and Timmy Chandler are also options. Omar Mascarell made his first appearance since February, and could play a part, but defender Simon Falette is suspended.
Hertha hit back from a goal down to beat Cologne a week ago, and record their first win of 2018. They needn't worry about being sucked into the relegation battle, despite their indifferent form, but a strong end to the campaign could push the Old Lady into the top half - they're currently ninth. Davie Selke scored twice against Cologne and will almost certainly lead the line. The likes of Mathew Leckie, Ondrej Duda and Julian Schieber are all options in attack, should head coach Pal Dardai decide to mix things up in attack.
Probable line-ups
Frankfurt: Hradecky – Abraham (c), Hasebe, Russ– Da Costa, Gacinovic, De Guzman, Chandler – Wolf, Fabian – Haller
Absentees: Falette (suspended), Salcedo collarbone), Rebic (calf)
Coach: Niko Kovac
Hertha: Jarstein – Weiser, Torunarigha, Rekik, Plattenhardt – Lazaro, Skjelbred, Darida, Kalou – Selke, Ibisevic (c)
Absentees: Mittelstädt (hip)
Coach: Pal Dardai
Match stats
Eintracht boss Niko Kovac will take over at Bayern Munich for the 2018/19 season.Frankfurt are without a win in three Bundesliga games (D1, L2), but are in fact unbeaten in eight at home (W5, D3).Berlin native and former Hertha player Boateng scored the winner for Frankfurt the last time the sides met in his home city.The Old Lady’s 27 Bundesliga victories against the Eagles is their best against any current top-flight club. Their 5-0 win in Frankfurt in January 1978 is their biggest ever on the road in the Bundesliga.Hertha’s 14 goals from set pieces in the first half of the season was a league high, but they are yet to score any since the new year.Berlin captain Vedad Ibisevic has five goals from his last four visits to Frankfurt.
Source: bundesliga.com