Tactics
Antwerp boss Brian Priske has fielded three different formations this term. His preferred system has been 4-2-3-1, but he has also deployed 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 in the early stages of the campaign. Eintracht will probably have to wait until shortly before kick-off on Thursday to find out how Priske intends to set his side up against the Eagles.
Absentees
Eintracht captain Sebastian Rode remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Martin Pecar and Christopher Lenz are unavailable due to muscle problems. The game is also set to come too soon for Erik Durm and Evan Ndicka, who suffered a concussion and a strained knee respectively in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Köln.
One to watch: Radja Nainggolan
Radja Nainggolan, who joined his hometown club in the summer, brings with him a wealth of European experience after his time in Italy, where he laced his boots for the likes of Cagliari, AS Roma and Inter Milan between 2005 and 2021. The central midfielder made 367 Serie A appearances in total.
Record against Antwerp
Thursday’s clash is the first ever competitive meeting between the two teams.
Key battle: Martin Hinteregger vs. Michael Frey
Twenty-seven-year-old Swiss striker Michael Frey has enjoyed a prolific start to the campaign, registering 11 goals and an assist in nine Jupiler Pro League appearances this season. Standing at 1.90 metres, Frey is the main target for crosses into the box.
