A run of seven victories from their last eight league games has lifted Eintracht Frankfurt onto 36 points after 20 matches – their joint highest points total at this stage of a campaign since three points were awarded for a win. The only previous time the Eagles had as many points after 20 games was in 2012/13.
In 1. FC Köln, Eintracht go head-to-head with another in-form team on Sunday afternoon. The Billy Goats have collected 10 points from their last five league fixtures, taking huge strides towards Bundesliga safety in the process.
First win for Hütter?
“Köln are one of the strongest teams away from home,” said Eintracht sporting director Bruno Hübner. “We need to be wide awake – it’s not a foregone conclusion. Köln will come here full of confidence.”
As well as beating Rhineland rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1 last weekend, the cathedral city club have already won at Borussia Dortmund and held Leipzig to a goalless draw away from home this season. Indeed, four of their five league wins this term have come on their travels.
“It’s not going to be an easy game,” admitted Sebastian Rode. “Köln will perform like they always do – with hard work and fighting spirit. We need to hold our own, make the most of our technical superiority and score goals.”
Eintracht will be hoping to improve their home record against the Billy Goats – only Bayern Munich have racked up more victories against the Eagles in their own stadium. Head coach Adi Hütter, meanwhile, will be desperate to claim his first ever win against Köln, who are one place behind Eintracht in the all-time Bundesliga standings.
Match info
Kick-off: Sunday 14 February, 15:30 CET, Matchday 21.
Stadium: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt.
