Premier League giant Liverpool, currently going through a rough patch, travels to Germany this Wednesday for a crucial Champions League match against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park.
Both teams have struggled in the early stages of the competition, sitting on three points each in the league phase table. Frankfurt, currently 15th, suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in their last European outing on September 30th. Liverpool, 17th, are also coming off a loss, having been beaten 1-0 by Galatasaray at the end of September.
Despite finishing third in the Bundesliga last season—their highest placement since 1991–92 Frankfurt is currently seventh domestically with 10 points after seven games, three less than they had at this point last year.
Manager Dino Toppmoller has serious defensive concerns: his side has conceded a shocking 18 goals in their last five matches, shipping at least two goals in six of their last seven games.
However, Liverpool can't take them lightly. Frankfurt has shown they can score, netting 12 goals in the five matches leading up to this one. Moreover, with only one of their last 67 European matches ending without a goal, action is virtually guaranteed at both ends of the pitch.
The German hosts are in poor form overall, winless in their last three (losing twice) and suffering defeat in four of their seven most recent games. A loss to Liverpool would be their third consecutive home defeat, having conceded seven goals in their last two outings at Deutsche Bank Park.
Liverpool comes into the match reeling from a 2-1 defeat against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, but the broader lack of progress under coach Arne Slot is the major worry. The Reds have conceded 16 goals in 11 matches this season, compared to just 15 in their first 22 fixtures of the previous campaign.
Their defensive frailties are notable, with the team's disorganized pressing repeatedly exposing full-backs like Milos Kerkez and Conor Bradley, who have struggled against opposition wingers.
Liverpool desperately needs a win to end a four-match losing streak, but they will have to be much sharper up front, having scored only three goals during that run.
Historically, the clubs have only met twice before: in the first round of the 1972-73 UEFA Cup (now the Europa League), where Liverpool won 2-0 at home and drew 0-0 away.
After starting the 2025-26 season with two away wins, Slot’s side has now lost three consecutive road games, continuing a poor trend from the end of the previous season, where they lost three of their final four away fixtures.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller seems ready to stick by his struggling central defenders, with Robin Koch and Arthur Theate expected to hold their places in the back four despite recent criticism.
In midfield, fans can look forward to the familiar double pivot of Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson, the latter of whom has already attracted interest from Manchester City. Up front, teenage sensation Can Uzun, currently the team's joint top scorer with six goals, is set to partner main centre-forward Jonathan Burkardt.
For Liverpool, manager Arne Slot is facing a forced change and some tactical decisions. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is a doubt after twisting his ankle against Manchester United, meaning Curtis Jones is likely to step into the starting lineup.
Despite his inconsistent form, Alexis Mac Allister still has Slot's full faith and is expected to retain his spot. In defense, Andrew Robertson is almost certain to replace Milos Kerkez at left-back, while Joe Gomez could take the place of Ibrahima Konate at center-back. Leading the attack, Hugo Ekitike's strong recent form has earned him the starting spot ahead of Alexander Isak, and the Frenchman will be keen to add to his tally of five goals.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:
Santos; Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown; Larsson, Skhiri; Doan, Uzun, Bahoya; Burkardt
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
EXPERT PREDICTION
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 Liverpool
