Frankfurt vs Liverpool: Reds Aim to End Losing Streak in Crucial Champions League Showdown
Liverpool will be desperate to halt their poor run of form when they travel to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a pivotal Champions League group-stage clash on Wednesday evening.
After four straight defeats across all competitions, Arne Slot’s men are eager to rediscover their winning rhythm — their last victory coming back on September 20.
The Reds’ most recent setback, a 2–1 loss to Manchester United sealed by a late Harry Maguire header, has left them four points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, damaging their title defense hopes.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, are also searching for consistency after conceding a late equaliser against Freiburg at the weekend. The Bundesliga side will now turn their focus to welcoming the English giants to the Deutsche Bank Park.
⚪ Eintracht Frankfurt Team News
With former star Hugo Ekitike now plying his trade at Liverpool, Jonathan Burkardt has stepped up as Frankfurt’s main attacking threat. The 24-year-old German forward impressed with a brace in the 2–2 draw with Freiburg and is expected to lead the line again.
Head coach Dino Toppmöller has an almost full-strength squad at his disposal, though Elias Baum (hamstring) and Oscar Højlund (muscle injury) remain sidelined. Jessic Ngankam is ineligible for the Champions League campaign.
Toppmöller confirmed in his pre-match press conference:
“Elias Baum and Oscar Højlund are both unavailable, but otherwise the squad is fit. Rasmus Kristensen is always a key player for us — whether he starts or comes on later, he’ll definitely feature.”
Predicted Frankfurt XI:
Zetterer; Kristensen, Koch, Amenda, Theate; Larsson, Chaibi; Doan, Uzun, Brown; Burkardt.
Bench Options: Santos (GK), Collins, Chandler, Buta, Knauff, Skhiri, Dahoud, Bahoya, Götze, Wahi, Batshuayi.
🔴 Liverpool Team News
Liverpool face potential midfield disruption after Ryan Gravenberch picked up an ankle knock in the loss to Manchester United, following a challenge from Bryan Mbeumo. His absence could force Slot into a tactical reshuffle.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will once again deputise for the injured Alisson Becker, while young defender Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined long-term with an ACL injury sustained in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.
Big-money summer signings Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong (signed for a combined £232 million) are expected to begin on the bench.
Although Slot missed his usual pre-match press conference due to travel issues, he gave a brief update following the United defeat:
“Ryan twisted his ankle, so we’ll assess him. With three games in a week, recovery time is tight. Fortunately, we’ve got depth in midfield.”
Predicted Liverpool XI:
Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Ekitike.
Bench Options: Woodman (GK), Gomez, Kerkez, Bradley, Frimpong, Nyoni, Endo, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Danns, Isak.
⚔️ Match Outlook
Both teams enter this fixture searching for momentum, but the stakes are especially high for Liverpool, who cannot afford another setback. Frankfurt, confident on home turf, will look to exploit the Reds’ recent vulnerability, while Slot’s side aim to reassert their European credentials.
With Hugo Ekitike set to face his former club, emotions will run high in what promises to be a tense, fiercely contested night of Champions League football.
