Pre-Match Analysis: Struggling Dortmund Travel to High-Flying Frankfurt | OneFootball

It’s a new year but Borussia Dortmund are as inconsistent as ever. In their first two matches of 2025, BVB produced a few impressive goals in performances that were otherwise lackluster. Nuri Sahin’s erratic tactical displays and losing results have the manager under a high level of pressure ahead of this trip to Frankfurt. Borussia Dortmund sit in lowly tenth place and another loss could see Champions League qualification drift out of reach. Meanwhile, Frankfurt will look to solidify their position in the Top-Four and gain distance from the approaching pack.

Team News

Borussia Dortmund: LDWLL: Despite a wave of flu sweeping across Dortmund’s camp, Nuri Sahin has suggested that all players will be available barring Niklas Sule, who is out with a long term ankle injury. Karim Adeyemi’s illness seems to be improving and he should be an option, likely from the bench. With nearly his full squad, Nuri Sahin won’t have any excuses for tactical deficiencies.

Eintracht Frankfurt: LLLWW: The biggest story surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt recently have involved the speculation surrounding Omar Marmoush and a possible transfer to Manchester City. As a deal becomes more likely, his participation in this match is doubtful. Otherwise, Dino Toppmöller should have most of his players available. The only anticipated omission will be Auréle Amenda who is sidelined with a ligament injury.

Players to Watch

Jamie Gittens & Gio Reyna: While many in Dortmund’s squad have underperformed in the new year, there have still been positive signs in two of Dortmund’s younger players. While Gio Reyna has struggled with injury again this season, he seems to finally be healthy. His goal against Holstein Keil was too little, too late, but the power and placement of his shot was superb. Likewise, Jamie Gittens has scored in each of his appearances this year; he’s BVB greatest goal threat.

Hugo Ekitike & Nnamdi Collins:  Hugo Ekitike has been in good form since officially signing from PSG last summer. He's scored eight and assisted three in sixteen league appearances this season including a goal in Frankfurt's 4-1 midweek win over Freiburg. He'll be key to Frankfurt's attack, especially should they be without Marmoush. In the defense on the other hand, is Nnamdi Collins who has opened 2025 with two brilliant performances, leading his team with his successful ground-duals, recoveries, passes into the final-third and even a goal to his name. The young German will look to keep impressing with his fine overall form.

BVB: Kobel, Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Ryerson, Nmecha, Emre Can, Brandt, Gittens, Beier, Guirassy

Frankfurt: Trapp, Theate, Koch, Collins, Brown, Larsson, Skhiri, Götze, Kristensen, Matanovic, Ekitike

Match Predictions

I think we can expect a tactical improvement from the loss against Holstein Keil, but Borussia Dortmund’s away form speaks for itself. Frankfurt have had a positive start to the year while BVB has struggled, even against an opponent with as poor a defense as Keil. If Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton are both healthy, then I expect a defensive improvement, but I don’t believe that will be enough to secure any points. Even with the individual talent in Dortmund’s squad, I think Frankfurt is the stronger team. I predict Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 Borussia Dortmund.