In this analysis, we will discover that Xabi Alonso‘s defending champions, Leverkusen, have looked potent in attack but worryingly fragile in defence, while Dino Toppmöller‘s Eintracht Frankfurt have established themselves as one of the best counterattacking sides in the league.
This match promises to be a chess game of tactics, with both teams having clear strengths and weaknesses that could define the outcome.
Both clubs have the potential to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season, and this could be an influential battle in swinging momentum one way or the other.
Bayer Leverkusen Vs Eintracht Frankfurt Potential Line-Ups
In the upcoming match, Bayer Leverkusen is expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation under Xabi Alnso’s preferred formation.
Lukáš Hrádecký will captain the team from goal, supported by a defensive trio featuring Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié.
In midfield, the versatile Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong will operate as wing-backs, while Granit Xhaka and Aleix García control the central areas.
Up front, Leverkusen will rely on the attacking trio of Amine Adli, Victor Boniface, and Martin Terrier to spearhead their offensive efforts.
On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt will adopt a 4-4-2 formation under Dino Toppmöller’s preferred formation.Kevin Trapp, another captain between the posts, will anchor the defence, with Rasmus Kristensen, Tuta, Robin Koch, and Arthur Theate forming the back four.
Ansgar Knauff and Niels Nkounkou will patrol the flanks in midfield, while Hugo Larsson and Ellyes Skhiri aim to dominate centrally.
Hugo Ekitiké and Omar Marmoush will lead the attack, looking to capitalise on their counterattacking opportunities.
Bayer Leverkusen Tactical Analysis
This season, under Xabi Alonso’s coaching style, Leverkusen’s most dangerous weapon has been the offensive output from their full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Frimpong, who was one of the best right-backs in Europe last season, thrives on exploiting space in the opposition’s half.
He constantly drives forward with his pace and technical ability.
On the left, Grimaldo offers a more measured but equally dangerous threat, using his vision and crossing ability to significant effect.
Their overlapping runs create numerical superiority on the flanks, allowing Leverkusen to flood the box with players.
Bayer Leverkusen Crossing Zones Map
Leverkusen’s Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has continued his rich vein of form, adding to his goal tally with his mix of physicality and movement.
His ability to hold up play, link with wingers, and attack the box with dynamism makes him a constant threat.
Even without Florian Wirtz, Boniface’s power in front of goal and his willingness to engage in duels (he has won 49% of them) keep defenders on edge.
Xhaka’s presence in midfield has been crucial for Leverkusen, providing balance and composure.
As a defensive shield and a deep-lying playmaker, he initiates transitions and recycles possession quickly.
His experience in big games will be vital in managing the tempo against Frankfurt’s counterattacks.
Leverkusen’s major Achilles’ heel this season has been their defence.
Despite having a solid back three on paper, they have already conceded 12 goals in their opening six matches.
Their tendency to leave space behind the attacking full-backs has left them exposed to counterattacks, and their central defenders, Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba have often been caught out of position in transition.
Bayer Leverkusen Shots Faced By Goal Keeper Map
Alarmingly, Leverkusen have surrendered leads on multiple occasions, even when holding a two-goal advantage.
This has been a source of frustration for Xabi Alonso, who has pointed to a lack of concentration and intensity as critical reasons for their defensive collapses.
Whether due to tactical disorganization or mental lapses, Leverkusen have struggled to close out games, which could be dangerous against a team like Frankfurt that excels on the counter.
Eintracht Frankfurt Tactical Analysis
Under Dino Toppmöller’s coaching style, Eintracht Frankfurt has emerged as the Bundesliga’s deadliest team on the counterattack, having scored six goals from such situations this season.
Their quick transitions, spearheaded by the pacy duo of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitiké, have troubled every opponent they have faced.
Marmoush, in particular, has been in sensational form, with eight goals already.
His speed and directness, coupled with his dribbling ability, make him a nightmare for defences that push high, as Leverkusen tend to do.
Marmoush’s individual brilliance has been one of the standout aspects of Frankfurt’s attack.
His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, find space behind the lines, and press aggressively off the ball has made him the Bundesliga’s top scorer this season.
Moreover, his high work rate (177 sprints, the most for Frankfurt) ensures that he contributes offensively and defensively, tracking back to help in transitions.
Omar Marmoush Radar Map
Frankfurt’s backline, led by Tuta and Robin Koch, has been relatively solid this season.
Unlike Leverkusen, Frankfurt has been more disciplined defensively, often sitting compactly and springing forward on the break.
The midfield pairing of Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson adds further defensive cover.
Skhiri, in particular, excels at breaking up play.
While Marmoush and Ekitiké have been brilliant so far, Frankfurt have shown a lack of depth in their attacking options.
Should either of them be shut down, the team struggles to create clear-cut chances.
Their midfield, though industrious, lacks creativity, and the absence of a third attacking outlet could hinder their ability to break down Leverkusen’s defence if Marmoush or Ekitiké are neutralised.
Eintracht Frankfurt Progressive Passes Map
Although Frankfurt’s midfield is generally solid, there are occasional moments where Larsson and Skhiri can be bypassed too easily when they push forward.
This can leave their defence exposed, particularly when facing quick transitions, which could be exploited by Leverkusen’s mobile forward line and overlapping full-backs.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Match Plan
Leverkusen’s attacking setup relies heavily on a high press and quick transitions.
Alonso will likely instruct his team to press Frankfurt high up the pitch, aiming to force errors and regain possession in advanced areas.
Players like Xhaka and Adli will look to dominate the midfield battle, while Boniface will be tasked with holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
Bayer Leverkusen High Regains Map
Frimpong and Grimaldo will be critical to Leverkusen’s game plan.
Both full-backs will bomb forward at every opportunity, stretching Frankfurt’s defence and creating space for Adli and Saelemaekers to exploit in the final third.
However, with such offensive freedom, Alonso must ensure that they are adequately covered in case of turnovers, as Frankfurt’s speed on the break will pose a significant threat.
Leverkusen will likely target the spaces behind Frankfurt’s midfield, particularly in transition moments when Skhiri and Larsson push forward.
Quick vertical passes from Xhaka or Grimaldo to Boniface or Adli could create immediate danger, as Frankfurt’s backline has been vulnerable when isolated against fast attackers.
Alonso will have drilled his defenders on maintaining concentration throughout the game.
This match is likely to test Leverkusen’s ability to defend against counters, so Alonso might instruct his defenders to sit deeper during transitions or employ Xhaka as a holding midfielder who can protect the backline from Frankfurt’s rapid counters.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Match Plan
Frankfurt will be more than happy to allow Leverkusen to have the ball and dominate possession, as they have been most dangerous when absorbing pressure and hitting teams on the break.
Eintracht Frankfurt Defensive Territory Map
Marmoush’s pace will be critical, and Frankfurt will look to exploit the spaces left behind by Leverkusen’s marauding full-backs.
Toppmöller will likely instruct his wingers and full-backs to stay compact, frustrating Leverkusen and waiting for the right moment to launch a quick counter.
With Marmoush in red-hot form, Frankfurt will seek to get the ball to him as quickly as possible.
Expect to see many direct, long passes aimed at bypassing Leverkusen’s midfield and exploiting their high defensive line.
Marmoush’s ability to dribble past defenders and win fouls will be crucial in creating dangerous opportunities on the break.
Frankfurt will have a challenging task defending against the constant overlaps of Frimpong and Grimaldo.
Knauff and Nokounkou, who are both disciplined defensively, will be responsible for tracking the runs of these full-backs, ensuring that Frankfurt are not overwhelmed on the flanks.
However, this could also limit their ability to contribute in attack, as they will need to spend more time defending than going forward.
Key Players To Watch
Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen
Victor Boniface will play a critical role for Leverkusen in the absence of Florian Wirtz.
His physical presence and hold-up play will be vital in breaking down Frankfurt’s compact defence.
Boniface’s ability to win aerial duels and intelligent movement will be a constant source of danger for Frankfurt’s centre-backs, particularly Robin Koch and Tuta.
Omar Marmoush – Eintracht Frankfurt
Omar Marmoush’s style of play has been Frankfurt’s standout performer this season, and his direct running, dribbling, and finishing will be the primary threat to Leverkusen’s vulnerable backline.
With Leverkusen prone to leaving space behind, Marmoush’s speed on the break could prove devastating.
His excellent shot efficiency and high xG numbers indicate that he is likely to capitalise on any defensive mistakes Leverkusen make.
Conclusion
This game will be a fascinating tactical battle between Leverkusen’s expansive attacking style and Frankfurt’s clinical counterattacking approach.
Leverkusen will look to dominate possession and overload the flanks through Frimpong and Grimaldo, while Frankfurt will aim to absorb pressure and launch quick, devastating counters through Marmoush and Ekitiké.
Xabi Alonso will be very concerned about Leverkusen’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their difficulty defending counterattacks and maintaining leads.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt’s reliance on their front two and ability to exploit transitions gives them a real chance of causing an upset at the BayArena.
This match could depend on which team manages to control the transitions better and whether Leverkusen’s defence can withstand Frankfurt’s counterattacking strength.
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