Clubs Battle to Control their Own Champions League Destiny

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur

When you’ve just lost your first league match of the season, character comes into play as much as talent.

So this visit to Germany to face Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League will be a good barometer of how much Spurs – beaten 3-1 in Saturday’s North London derby – are progressing under Antonio Conte.

At the same time in the Bundesliga, Frankfurt became the first side to defeat early Bundesliga leaders Union Berlin this campaign, with a satisfying 2-0 home win, their third in a row and appear to be building up some form.

With both clubs having experienced the joys and lows of Champions League highlights so far – with one win and one defeat apiece – this then is a perfect chance to take control of their own destiny in Group D.

Talking Points

Oliver Glasner’s Frankfurt, who have 2014 World Cup match-winner Mario Gotze in their ranks, will be bidding for a fourth straight victory in this one, a run that began with a Champions League victory in southern France last month.

On saying that, Glasner’s team are known for their inconsistency and already followed up a 4-0 thumping of RB Leipzig with a 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg earlier this season.

While they have already lost three times at Deutsche Bank Park this term too, their danger is known as British clubs can vouch for last term.

Spurs were beaten last time out in Europe as they became the first English side to lose to Sporting Lisbon at this level when former Spurs academy player Marcus Edwards led the line for the Portuguese in a late, late 2-0 win.

Yet they do have Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Richarlison in their ranks, forwards capable of unlocking any team.

Team news wise, versatile midfielder Kristijan Jakic picked up a knock on international duty for Croatia and missed their weekend Bundesliga victory, while new signing Jerome Onguene will have to wait once again to make his Frankfurt debut due to a hip injury.

For the visitors, talented winger Dejan Kulusevski remains doubtful after missing the North London Derby, while Lucas Moura will also sit out due to a calf problem.

Ben Davies also remains in doubt after sustaining a hairline fracture in that defeat to Sporting last month. There was no sign of the Welshman on Saturday, prompting concerns that the defender might be out for a few more games.

Like most derbies, it remains to be seen how much energy the game took out of Spurs who had previously dug out results in the first month of the campaign, even when below par.

Conte may well decide to freshen up with Yves Bissouma, Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon among the options.

I read at the weekend that there is a system, a method, a plan, a collective buy-in, five shouting Italians on the bench to enforce order under Spurs. But with the possible exception of 20 minutes against Leicester, there has been precious little joy to them so far.

That appeared a little harsh, although somewhat accurate.

However you define joy, they will start as favourites in Germany.

History

The two clubs have only met twice before. That was in the third round of the 1982 European Cup Winners Cup.

On that occasion, goals from Micky Hazard and Paul Miller earned Spurs a 2-0 home first-leg win, before Glenn Hoddle netted in the return tie in Germany.

Although Frankfurt won that game 2-1 with two goals inside the opening 15 minutes through Ronny Borchers and Bum-kun Cha, Spurs progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Champions League betting odds favour Spurs both 1X2 @ 2.09 and Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.09, as well as -0.75 @ 2.44.

Frankfurt have attractive options of their own including 1X2 @ 3.25 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.11.

A Draw is on offer @ 3.55.

If there is to be another 2-1 Frankfurt victory, just as in their meeting 40 years ago, then Correct Score will pay out @ 12.00.

If you expect goals, then the options include Over 3.00 @ 2.35, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.60, 2-3 @ 1.92 and 4-6 @ 3.25. I do think there will be a few goals in this but not too many.

 

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