Kick-off: Friday, 17 January 2025, at 7:30 PM
On Friday, 17th January 2025, Eintracht Frankfurt will host Borussia Dortmund at Deutsche Bank Park for the 18th matchday of the Bundesliga. Frankfurt enters the game in excellent form, having won two matches to start the year and climbed to 3rd place. In contrast, Dortmund comes into this match with two defeats to start the year, putting pressure on them, especially after their disappointing performance against Holstein Kiel.
Form Analysis: Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt is in 3rd place in the Bundesliga with 33 points. The team has shown strong performances, including victories over FC St. Pauli and SC Freiburg.
Their home form is excellent, and they aim to continue their strong season against Dortmund. The offensive line, led by Omar Marmoush and Mario Götze, is functioning well, while the defence with Tuta and Koch remains solid. Frankfurt has proven to be a difficult side to break down, making them a formidable opponent at home.
Key Player:
- Omar Marmoush: The Egyptian forward is key to Frankfurt’s offensive play, with his ability to create chances and score goals.
- Mario Götze: The experienced attacking midfielder is crucial in linking the midfield and attack and has the creative spark to unlock Dortmund’s defence.
- Kevin Trapp: The goalkeeper remains a solid presence in the team, providing stability at the back with crucial saves.
Form Analysis: Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund has had a season full of ups and downs, sitting 10th with 25 points from 17 games. Their defensive issues have been apparent, with recent defeats against Holstein Kiel and Bayer Leverkusen (2-3).
Dortmund needs to tighten up their defence to return to winning ways. With Julian Brandt’s injury affecting creativity, key players like Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen will need to step up. The defence, however, remains fragile, and the team will need to correct their mistakes in order to avoid further setbacks.
Key Player:
- Karim Adeyemi: The speedy forward will be crucial in breaking down Frankfurt’s defence. His ability to exploit spaces and finish chances will be vital.
- Donyell Malen: The Dutch winger has the pace and technical ability to challenge Frankfurt’s backline. He will need to create opportunities for himself and others.
- Gregory Kobel: The goalkeeper will need to step up after some defensive lapses, making key saves to keep Dortmund in the game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
In the last five meetings between Frankfurt and Dortmund, Frankfurt has won three times, Dortmund once, and there has been one draw. The last match in the 2023/24 season ended in a 2-0 victory for Eintracht Frankfurt. In recent seasons, Frankfurt has had the upper hand, especially when playing at home. Dortmund has struggled defensively against strong teams, and Frankfurt will look to exploit that weakness.
Tactical Analysis
Frankfurt will likely play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defensive work and quick counterattacks. Their central midfielders will need to break up Dortmund’s attacks and quickly transition into offensive plays. The wingers will be important in providing width and stretching Dortmund’s defensive line.
Dortmund prefers a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on controlling possession and quick transitions. However, their defensive fragility could be exposed, especially against Frankfurt’s fast counterattacks. If Dortmund’s backline continues to struggle, they could find themselves under pressure for the full 90 minutes.
Predicted Line-ups:
- Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1): Trapp – Kristensen, Koch, Tuta, Theate – Skhiri, Larsson – Knauff, Götze, Marmoush – Ekitike
- Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3): Kobel – Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Süle, Ryerson – Can, Sabitzer, Brandt – Adeyemi, Malen, Haller
Betting Options and Odds:
- Win Eintracht Frankfurt (Odds: 2.16): Frankfurt is the slight favourite with better recent form, especially at home.
- Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 2.00): A high-scoring game is likely due to both teams’ attacking strength, though Dortmund’s defensive issues could lead to multiple goals.
- Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 2.30): Both teams are likely to score, given their offensive capabilities and defensive weaknesses.
Bet Tip & Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt – Borussia Dortmund (17.01.2025)
Eintracht Frankfurt is in great form and will be looking to continue their strong performances at home. Dortmund, on the other hand, has struggled recently, particularly defensively. With their strong home record, Frankfurt is likely to come out on top in this match.
- Our Tip: Win Frankfurt (Odds: 2.16)
- Score Prediction: 2-1 for Eintracht Frankfurt
OUR Prediction
Eintracht Frankfurt – Borussia Dortmund (17.01.2025)
Eintracht Frankfurt TO WIN | Odds: 2,16 |