After being involved in an astonishing 4-4 draw against Hertha Berlin last weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt and manager Thomas Schaaf will be looking for a result a bit easier on the nerves. Instead, an away battle against high-flying Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday should prove to be a real test.
"We're keen to make it 30 points for the first half of the season"
- Omer Toprak
This game promises goals, with both sides strong going forward, and Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak has spoken about the need for his side to be wary in defense: "Eintracht score a lot of goals so we're going to have to be careful,'' he warned. On the flip side, Toprak noted Frankfurt's tendancy to concede, and said his side were eager to finish the first half of the season on a high: "But they also concede a lot and we're keen to win to make it to 30 points for the first half of the season."
Leverkusen are in good shape in the Bundesliga table, as they search for a Champions League place come the close of the season. They currently occupy 4th place, four points adrift of Wolfsburg in second, and just one in front Schalke 04. Having secured their progress to the Champions League last 16 - where they will face Atletico Madrid - Leverkusen can concentrate on their league form, and finishing the first half of the season on a high. A 1-0 victory over 1889 Hoffenheim last weekend will give them confidence going into what promises to be an exciting game against Frankfurt on Saturday.
"It really starts to affect your nerves"
- Thomas Schaaf
Frankfurt boss Schaaf has spoken this week of his nerves when watching his side play, after their incredible comeback last weekend. 4-2 down against Hertha, Alexander Meier netted twice in stoppage time to make it 4-4 and rescue a point: "It really starts to affect your nerves,'' Schaaf said, slightly tongue-in-cheek. "It's always the same here - we're playing some sensational matches and we like putting on a show, but maybe this was a bit too much of a spectacle.
Frankfurt have provided some incredible, high-scoring entertainment in the Bundesliga so far this season, and you never quite know what to expect when they step out at the Waldstadion. It is no wonder that they are one of the most heavily-supported clubs, packing their stadium to the rafters. It is, however, an away tie that faces Schaaf's side on Saturday, and Frankfurt will be looking to kick on from 9th place in the table - just five points adrift of their opponents Leverkusen, and a top four place.
