Can Tottenham secure only the fourth European semi-final spot in their history? We preview Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg at Deutsche Bank Park with our Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham prediction.
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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham: Preview
Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham Hotspur experienced very different fortunes in their domestic outings following last week’s 1-1 draw in London.
The German side cruised to a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Heidenheim, solidifying their place in third in the Bundesliga. In contrast, Spurs put in a lacklustre display at Molineux, succumbing to a 4-2 defeat against Wolves—one of just five teams currently below them in the Premier League standings.
If Tottenham are to progress, a significant improvement will be required. However, the odds—and history—are stacked against them.
Spurs have lost six of their last seven European knockout fixtures away to German opposition, with their sole win coming amidst a run in which they’ve failed to score in four of the last five such games. Their most recent visit to Germany in the knockouts ended in a 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig, sealing a 4-0 aggregate loss in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in 2019-20.
Their away record in the UEFA Europa League doesn’t inspire confidence either. Tottenham have managed just one clean sheet in their last 19 matches on the road in this competition—a 1-0 win against Qarabag back in November 2015.
Still, manager Ange Postecoglou can draw some optimism from their 3-2 triumph at Hoffenheim during the group stage, proving this team has the ability to defy the odds in Germany.
But it’s important to note that Hoffenheim haven’t come close to matching the level of Eintracht Frankfurt this season. Tottenham now face a side with far more firepower, which could further expose their ongoing struggles to keep clean sheets in the Europa League.
Eintracht have consistently thrived at home in this competition, averaging more than two goals per game—scoring 55 times in just 27 fixtures at Deutsche Bank Park. A major factor behind their attacking threat is Hugo Ekitiké. The 22-year-old French striker has been their standout performer in Europe this season, leading the club’s home charts with three goals and two assists.
Ekitiké’s influence is growing at just the right time—he both scored and assisted in the weekend’s league win, after netting the opener in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Thursday. Only two players in Eintracht’s history have had a hand in more goals during a single Europa League campaign, underlining how central he is to their success.
Spurs, meanwhile, may have a milestone moment of their own. If Son Heung-Min features in the second leg, he will surpass Harry Kane as the club’s all-time leading appearance maker in major European competitions, reaching 68 matches.
That said, Son’s current form in this tournament hasn’t been his sharpest. He’s averaging a goal every 217 minutes in this Europa League campaign—his least efficient strike rate in any season where he’s played more than twice.
It’s also far from certain that Son Heung-Min will start, with the South Korean forward having missed the defeat to Wolves as a precaution due to a minor foot injury. His fitness remains under observation. On the positive side for Spurs, Kevin Danso could return to the squad, leaving Radu Dragusin as the only long-term absentee for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Eintracht Frankfurt, however, may have more concerns on the injury front. Aurèle Amenda has been ruled out, while Junior Dina Ebimbe and Ansgar Knauff remain doubtful and will face late fitness tests. There is encouraging news for Dino Toppmöller, though—first-choice goalkeeper Kevin Trapp appears set to return between the sticks.
With the tie delicately poised and the second leg being played at Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt will be confident of progressing to a third UEFA Europa League semi-final—having previously reached that stage in 2018-19 and 2021-22, going all the way to lift the trophy in the latter campaign. Only Sevilla (five times) have reached more Europa League semi-finals than Frankfurt’s potential third.
Tottenham’s record in such scenarios doesn’t inspire much hope. They’ve advanced from just one of their previous 10 European knockout ties after failing to win the first leg at home. That sole exception, though, was one for the ages—overcoming Ajax in dramatic fashion to reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2018-19.
To replicate that feat and book their first European semi-final appearance since then—and only the fourth in club history—Spurs may need another night of unforgettable magic.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham: Head-to-Head
The last time these two sides met in Germany ended in a goalless stalemate, but that 0-0 draw came during the group stage of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League—far less consequential than this high-stakes knockout encounter.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s only previous victory over Tottenham on home soil came in their first-ever meeting back in 1982. While that result might offer a nostalgic boost for the Bundesliga outfit, it holds little significance in the context of the current squads and competition.
In more recent history, Tottenham hold the edge in this fixture. With two wins and a draw from their last three encounters over the past three seasons, the head-to-head momentum leans in Spurs’ favour as they head into this decisive second leg.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Eintracht Frankfurt – Team News
Dino Toppmöller largely stuck with his regulars in the weekend’s Bundesliga fixture, and his trust was rewarded as Hugo Ekitiké netted once again in the convincing win over Heidenheim. A few first-team regulars, including Mario Götze and Nathaniel Brown, were rotated out and are expected to return for the Europa League clash.
In goal, Kaua Santos is set to retain his place after his standout display in the first leg, with Kevin Trapp still sidelined and Jens Grahl ineligible for European competition. Ansgar Knauff remains a fitness concern with his ongoing knee issue, though there’s still a chance he makes the squad for Thursday.
Eric Ebimbe and Krisztián Lisztes are both under the weather and face late assessments before kick-off. Meanwhile, Can Uzun and Elye Wahi have recently rejoined the attack and could be in contention. Oscar Højlund, who featured over the weekend, won’t be involved here due to registration restrictions.
Eintracht Frankfurt – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Santos
- Defenders – Kristensen, Koch, Tuta, Theate
- Midfielders – Gotze, Skhiri, Larsson
- Forwards – Brown, Ekitike, Bahoya
Tottenham – Team News
Son Heung-min remains a major doubt for Thursday’s tie due to the foot issue that sidelined him against Wolves, putting his potential milestone of 68 European appearances for Spurs in jeopardy. Ange Postecoglou, however, is hopeful the South Korean will be fit enough to be involved in some capacity.
Wilson Odobert was rested at the weekend purely as a precaution and is expected to be in the squad. Meanwhile, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, and Micky van de Ven—who were all on the bench at Molineux—are likely to be reinstated to the starting XI.
Dejan Kulusevski made his return with a substitute appearance on Sunday and is in contention to start, possibly at the expense of Brennan Johnson if Son is unavailable. At the back, Kevin Danso is close to full fitness but won’t displace Cristian Romero, who should be partnered once more by Van de Ven. Radu Dragusin remains out with a long-term injury and will not feature in this leg.
Tottenham – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Vicario
- Defenders – Perro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie
- Midfielders – Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison
- Forwards – Johnson, Solanke, Werner
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham: Prediction
This feels like the moment the Ange Postecoglou chapter at Tottenham reaches a crossroads. Spurs arguably delivered their most cohesive display in weeks during the first leg, yet their inability to capitalise on key chances could come back to haunt them in Frankfurt.
Kulusevski’s return is a timely boost, but Spurs have lacked a convincing away performance on the European stage ever since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure nearly six years ago. While the situation doesn’t call for a repeat of their miraculous comeback against Ajax, they’ll need to dig deep to weather both a fired-up Frankfurt side and the intense home support at Deutsche Bank Park.
Frankfurt, proven Europa League campaigners after their 2022 triumph and a semi-final run in 2019, head into this clash with strong momentum and the edge of home advantage.
With Tottenham faltering on the road in both league and continental competition, and having failed to make their early dominance count in London, this second leg feels stacked in favour of the hosts—potentially marking a defining night for Postecoglou’s tenure.
Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1Tottenham (3-2 in aggregate)
When and Where to Watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-finals second leg between Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham will take place at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt , Germany. The match is set for April 18 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
FAQs
Can Tottenham qualify for the UEFA Europa League semi-final this season?
Tottenham must overcome Eintracht Frankfurt away in the second leg after a 1-1 home draw to reach just their fourth-ever European semi-final.
Who are the key players for Eintracht Frankfurt against Spurs?
Hugo Ekitiké leads Frankfurt’s charge with three goals and two assists at home in the Europa League this season.
What is Tottenham’s record in European knockout games away to German clubs?
Spurs have lost six of their last seven away knockout ties in Germany, failing to score in four of the last five.
Will Son Heung-min play against Frankfurt?
Son is a doubt due to a foot injury but could feature and become Spurs’ most-capped player in major European competitions.
Who are Eintracht Frankfurt missing for the second leg?
Frankfurt will be without Aurèle Amenda and possibly Junior Dina Ebimbe and Ansgar Knauff, while Kevin Trapp remains injured.
