Tactics
Pal Dardai took over as head coach of Hertha BSC for the second time at the beginning of the year, but has not yet settled on a preferred system since taking the reins once again. This season, he has already tried out 4-3-3-, 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 formations.
Absentees
Eintracht’s Martin Pecar is still out with a muscle tear, and head coach Oliver Glasner will also have to do without Aymen Barkok and Christopher Lenz. “We were almost at full strength in training today. Barkok unfortunately injured his knee in the third international match and will miss Saturday. Chris Lenz has suffered a setback. Rode is back but it's too early for him to be involved", said head coach Oliver Glasner at Thursday's pre-match press conference. Rafael Borré’s availability will likely be a late call, with the Colombian playing for his country at 23:00 CEST on Thursday in Baranquilla.
Rune Jarstein, Jordan Torunarigha, Myziane Maolida, Marton Dardai, Linus Gechter and Deyovaisio Zeefuik are all unavailable for Hertha.
Statistics
Eintracht Frankfurt have won their last three Bundesliga matches against Hertha – as many as they had won in 17 previous attempts. The Eagles are also unbeaten in 22 league games at home (W12 D10) – the longest current run of any side in the German top flight.
With six points from seven matches, Hertha have made their worst start to a season since 2009/10 when they went on to suffer relegation, after picking up just three points by this stage in the campaign. The Old Lady have already conceded 20 goals in the Bundesliga this time around, making theirs statistically the worst defence in the league.
Previous meetings
The two teams have met on 74 occasions in the past, with Hertha winning 33 of them, 18 draws and 23 victories for the Eagles.
