Eintracht Frankfurt aim to correct an unpleasant away record at SC Paderborn 07 on Saturday (15:30). Manager Adi Hütter described the match in advance as a „richtungsweisendes Spiel“ (key game) for the rest of the season. Hütter's side sits ninth in the standings with 11 points and wants to maintain the positive momentum from last week, having beaten Hamburger SV twice by a 3-1 scoreline. The team has played eight games this season with three wins, two draws and three losses, and trails leaders Bayern Munich by seven points.
Historical Burden in Paderborn
The statistics are stark: Eintracht Frankfurt have lost all three of their previous Bundesliga away matches against SCP, conceding nine goals in the process. The last meeting took place in 2019 and ended in a 2-1 home win for Frankfurt. Paderborn coach Ralf Kettemann showed full respect ahead of the clash. „Das ist eine super Bundesligamannschaft. Sie haben absolute Offensivpower,“ he said about Eintracht Frankfurt.
Personnel Shortages
The visitors will be without Mario Götze due to an ear infection. Robin Koch's participation is doubtful after taking a knock. These absences present Hütter with a tactical challenge in midfield. In attack, the manager can rely on the good form of Younes Ebnoutalib. The forward is currently the team's top scorer this season with six goals in eight appearances and scored in the two recent wins against Hamburg, most recently in the 3-1 victory on 1 November, where Raphael Onyedika Nwadike also found the net.
Opponent's Form
SCP sits in 15th place with nine points, taking two draws, one win and one loss from their last four matches. Ralf Kettemann's team is known as an unpredictable opponent, especially at home. Eintracht Frankfurt must therefore be defensively alert, having already conceded 18 goals this campaign while scoring 13. The recent successes against Hamburg, with goals from Raphael Onyedika Nwadike and Younes Ebnoutalib, have boosted the team's confidence. The team's form over the last five league games shows three wins and two losses, but they are currently on a two-game winning run. Trailing leaders Bayern Munich by seven points, every match remains key for European ambitions. Referee Bastian Dankert will officiate the match at the sold-out Benteler-Arena stadium. The game will be broadcast live. For Eintracht Frankfurt, further important Bundesliga fixtures follow this away trip.
This story first appeared at hessenschau.de
