The Preview

Eintracht are on great form at the moment and have achieved fantastic results recently. Unbeaten in their last six games across competitions (even five wins) and with solid defending (only two goals conceded in the last five league games) the Eagles have shown no lack of efficiency. Greek striker Theofanis Gekas keeps scoring, and scoring, and scoring. Now the competitive and star studded VfL Wolfsburg will come to Frankfurt (Saturday, 15.30h CET) – the team around Dzeko & Diego will no doubt be hard to overcome. May the Eagle’s run continue!

Eintracht Stats

A few facts and stats to highlight Eintracht’s performance of the recent weeks:

Of all Bundesliga teams Eintracht made most of the last five games: 13 points and 10-2 goals

Only Borussia Dortmund (7) conceded less goals in 2010/11 than Frankfurt (10)

Eintracht are ranked third in the away standings with 12 points in six games, 14 goals away from home are top in Bundesliga

Theofanis Gekas scored 9 goals in the first 10 games - that happened only once in Eintracht's Bundesliga history before (Anthony Yeboah in 1993/94)

Skibbe Not Looking Back

Since Michael Skibbe took over at Eintracht as a manager various long standing runs have been put aside. Last season’s win away to Borussia Dortmund was the first in 19 years, the one at VfL Bochum the first in 16. The away win last week against St. Pauli was the first ever in Frankfurt's club history (both Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga). Time to break another spell: For 11 Bundesliga games now Eintracht have not managed to beat Wolfsburg (6 draws, 5 defeats). The last win took place seven years ago in 2003, Eintracht were 2-0 down to VfL at home. Preuß, Skela and Beierle scored to turn the game around. The only players of the current Eintracht squad in the game back then were goalie Nikolov and captain Chris.

The Opponent

‘The Wolves’ are managed by former England coach Steve McLaren, the first English manager ever in Bundesliga history. Edin Dzeko is their captain, the international top striker has been targeted by big European clubs for some time now. This season he scored seven goals so far and is ranked third in the top scorer ranking (Gekas top with nine, Cisse of Freiburg second with eight). Former Werder Bremen and Juventus midfielder Diego (15 caps for Brazil) is another big name, but throughout the team they have international top players: Benaglio/SUI in goal, Barzagli/ITA in defense, Josue/BRA in midfield or Grafite/BRA up front.

Possible Line Ups:

EINTRACHT: Nikolov – Jung (Steinhöfer), Franz, Russ, Tzavellas – Schwegler, Köhler – Ochs, Caio, Altintop – Gekas.

WOLFSBURG: Benaglio – Pekarik, Kjaer, Barzagli, Schäfer – Josué – Riether, Mandzukic – Diego – Dzeko, Grafite.

Attendance:

42,000 tickets have been sold so far, around 300 fans are expected to travel from Wolfsburg. Ticket sale has gone up recently for the remaining three home games before the winter break (1899 Hoffenheim, 1. FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund are possible sell outs).

Colours:

Eintracht will play in traditional red and black, VfL Wolfsburg in white.

Live Coverage:

You can follow the game in English language within the live text commentary HERE from kick off onwards (with all main events such as goals, shots, cards, corners, free kicks, substitutions).

Last Season:

The first leg at home was a 2-2 draw (goals by Franz and Meier for Eintracht, Dzeko and Josue for Wolfsburg). The second leg was a 3-1 away defeat.

DFB Cup:

On 21st or 22nd of December Eintracht will play away to 2. Bundesliga side Alemannia Aachen in the round of the last 16. The exact date and kick off time will be announced within the next two weeks.