Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich face one of their sternest tests in the title race this Saturday as they travel to Deutsche Bank Park to meet Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Eagles, who finished third last season, currently sit fourth in the standings. With just nine points on the board, they already trail leaders Bayern by six, and the gap could widen further if they falter against the reigning champions. Bayern come into the game flying high after a commanding 4-0 victory over Werder Bremen on September 26.
Eintracht’s last league outing was a chaotic thriller against Borussia Monchengladbach. Dino Toppmöller’s side stormed into a 6-0 lead by the 47th minute, only to concede four goals in the final stages, making the scoreline far closer than it should have been. Toppmöller had rotated heavily before Gladbach’s first goal, which partly explains the sudden loss of control.
Frankfurt’s attacking record has been impressive, especially considering the departures of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike earlier this year. They have scored 17 goals, second only to Bayern’s 22. But defensively, cracks are starting to show. A heavy 5-1 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on September 30 means they have now conceded 13 goals in their last three matches across all competitions.
Form has also been inconsistent. They’ve lost three of their last five games overall, alternating between wins and defeats. At home, however, they’ve been much stronger, losing just once in their past six league matches at Deutsche Bank Park, while winning four and keeping three clean sheets.
Bayern, meanwhile, continue to look like a well-oiled machine. Their recent 4-0 win over Bremen saw them rack up nearly 3.5 expected goals, fire 13 shots on target, and create seven big chances. Vincent Kompany’s side carried that form into Europe too, thrashing Pafos 5-1 in the Champions League – their eighth straight match scoring three goals or more.
The Bavarians boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just three times so far, though clean sheets have been harder to come by – just two in their last seven outings. Still, they remain perfect in 2025-26, winning all nine matches played. Away from home, they’ve taken maximum points in four trips, though they’ve looked a little vulnerable, shipping six goals in those fixtures.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Frankfurt’s main fitness worry is defender Rasmus Kristensen. While he hasn’t officially been ruled out, the club may prefer to rest him rather than risk rushing him back into the starting lineup.
If that’s the case, full-backs Nnamdi Collins and Nathaniel Brown are expected to take their places on either side of Robin Koch and Arthur Theate in defense.
Up front, 19-year-old Can Uzun has been one of Frankfurt’s brightest sparks this season, scoring six goals already. He should once again be trusted in the central attacking role, playing just behind striker Jonathan Burkardt.
For Bayern, Harry Kane continues to break records. His brace against Werder Bremen made him the fastest player in Europe’s top five leagues to reach 100 goals for a single club across all competitions. The England captain will look to keep his remarkable scoring run going this weekend.
Despite Jamal Musiala’s absence, Bayern haven’t missed a beat, with Serge Gnabry regularly filling in behind Kane. He could retain that role once again.
In defense, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah are expected to partner at the heart of the backline, while Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are likely to control the midfield battle.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:
Santos; Collins, Koch, Theate, Brown; Skhiri, Chaibi; Doan, Uzun, Knauff; Burkardt
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-3 Bayern Munich
