Eintracht Frankfurt v Rangers – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Eintracht Frankfurt face Rangers in the Europa League final on Wednesday night at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Sevilla. There are expected to be 150,000 fans in the City. Die Adler lost on penalties in the semi-final of the Europa League in 2019 to Chelsea. Rangers lost in the final of this competition in 2008 and will be hoping to go one better. The Gers have already eliminated Dortmund and RB Leipzig and face a third German opponent in the knockout rounds.

Eintracht Frankfurt Form

Eintracht have lost just three of their last 16 matches in all competitions but they’ve also only won three of their last 13 with eight draws. In recent months, all of those three wins came in the Europa League as they’ve effectively given up on the Bundesliga to focus on Europe – they’re eight league matches without a win. Since winning the semi-final, they’ve drawn 1-1 at home with Borussia Monchengladbach and 2-2 at Mainz.

In the Europa League, they have not lost a single match in this season’s competition. They beat Real Betis 3-2 on aggregate before a superb 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona. They drew 1-1 at home with Blaugrana before beating Xavi’s side 3-2 at the Camp Nou. In the semi-finals, they beat West Ham 2-1 at the London Stadium before finishing the job at home with a 1-0 win.

Eintracht Frankfurt Team News

Oliver Glasner selected a strong XI at Mainz before some early substitutions. Experienced centre-back Martin Hinteregger is out after an injury in the semi-final. This weekend, another central defender in Evan Ndicka has to be withdrawn at Mainz. He should be fit to return in Frankfurt’s back five.

Diant Ramaj is also absent whilst Jesper Lindstrom and Danny da Costa are injury doubts for the match. Filip Kostic has attracted attention from Premier League clubs and will be crucial at left-wingback. Daichi Kamada has netted five times in the competition and is key upfront.

Eintracht Frankfurt Motivation

The German side was set up with a back three and very aggressive wingbacks. They look will look to play on the front foot in this one probably. Glasner’s side are very versatile – they were capable of winning at Barcelona with just 25% possession.

The club are desperate to win this trophy having come so close in 2019 and they’ve been completely focused on Europa for months. A place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is another massive motivation.

Rangers Form

Rangers have not managed to retain the Scottish Premiership as Celtic lifted the crown. This despite one loss in 14 with 10 wins. They’ve won three in a row since reaching the final, beating Dundee United 2-0, Ross County 4-1, and Hearts 3-1 away on the weekend. They face Hearts again in the Scottish Cup final just three days after the Europa League showpiece.

In the Europa League, Rangers scraped through their group, losing two of their six matches. The knockout stage has seen some impressive performances. Beating Dortmund 6-4 on aggregate (winning 4-2 in Germany) was a top display before knocking out Red Star Belgrade (4-2 aggregate) and Sporting Braga (3-2) in the last 16 and quarter-final. The semis saw Rangers turn a 1-0 away loss to RB Leipzig around with a 3-1 home victory in a sizzling atmosphere.

Rangers Team News

The Gers have three players out injured striker Alfredo Morelos, Filip Halender, and Ianis Hagi. The question mark is over Kemar Roofe who has missed about a month of action. Coach Gio van Bronckhorst has used either Fashion Sakala up top or Joe Aribo as a false nine. If fit, Roofe could be risked as the focal point.

On-loan attacking midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Amad Diallo have looked in good form of late, with the latter scoring twice in three matches. It remains to be seen if either is trusted to start, considering they won’t be at the club next season. John Lundstram could play a less familiar role at centre-back.

Rangers Motivation

Van Bronckhorst switched to a back three/five in both semi-final legs against RB Leipzig and he could stick with that, especially as Eintracht Frankfurt uses that shape.

Rangers look certain to play on the counter-attack in this one and drop off in a low block.

Key Stats

Eintracht Frankfurt are unbeaten in Europe this season (W7, D5)

Eintracht Frankfurt have seen Both Teams to Score in 9 of their last 10 (Europa League)

Eintracht Frankfurt have won 5/6 away matches in the competition this season

Rangers have lost 10 of 14 European games in Spain

Rangers have lost 5 Europa League matches this season

Rangers have lost their last 3 matches away from Ibrox in the Europa League

Gers have conceded in 8 of their last 9 matches (Europa League)

Prediction

This should be an exciting match, not least with two sets of fervent supporters in attendance. Rangers are capable of an upset but it would be just that, due to how impressive Frankfurt have been in this competition. A draw in 90 minutes and both teams to score looks like excellent value.

Best Bet: Both teams to score (90 mins) at 1.71
Best Bet: Eintracht Frankfurt win (90 mins) at 2.30
Value Alternative Bet: Tie with goals (90 mins) at 4.35
Multiplier Leg: Eintracht Frankfurt win/draw double chance + over 1.5 goals at 1.86

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis