Can Tottenham finally end their trophy drought since 2008? We preview Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction.
Table of Contents
Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt: Preview
With Tottenham Hotspur languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and their hopes of European qualification all but gone, the UEFA Europa League now represents Ange Postecoglou’s clearest—perhaps only—path to redemption. Lifting the trophy could be the key to extending his stay in North London beyond this season.
Tottenham’s next challenge comes in the form of high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt, who visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening. While Spurs have struggled domestically, the German side are thriving, currently sitting third in the Bundesliga with just six games remaining.
Their form in Europe has been just as impressive. Frankfurt have lost only two of their last 23 Europa League fixtures (W14 D7), a streak that includes their triumphant 2021-22 campaign. They’ve already secured seven wins in this season’s competition and are eyeing more history—only once have they surpassed that tally, claiming nine victories during their 2018-19 run.
Despite Frankfurt’s formidable record, there are a few chinks in their armor. Two of their defeats this season came on the road in the group stage. While a 2-0 loss to Roma on the final matchday had little bearing, a 3-2 defeat to Lyon was more revealing. That match saw Omar Marmoush find the net for Frankfurt, but the Egyptian forward has since moved on to Manchester City.
Manager Dino Toppmöller will still have Hugo Ekitiké at his disposal. The forward has contributed to six goals in 10 Europa League appearances this season (three goals and three assists), including both a goal and an assist in the second leg of the last-16 clash against Ajax. Although he hasn’t found the net in any of his five away matches in the competition, Ekitiké is now Frankfurt’s top Bundesliga scorer on the road following Marmoush’s departure.
His availability comes as a relief for Toppmöller, who is dealing with several injury concerns ahead of this fixture. While goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and attacking midfielder Can Uzun might return, as many as eight players remain doubtful.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have seen their injury crisis ease significantly compared to earlier in the season. The most notable absentee will be Dejan Kulusevski, who has registered three goal contributions in the Europa League this term, including two assists at home. Centre-backs Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are also set to miss the clash against Frankfurt.
Tottenham will be boosted by the availability of their most creative player in Europe this season—Dominic Solanke. The forward has been directly involved in six goals in just 361 minutes of Europa League action (two goals and four assists). Only one English player has recorded more assists in a single Europa League campaign—Bukayo Saka with five in 2019-20—so Solanke could be on the verge of securing a unique record for the north London club.
Ange Postecoglou has also placed trust in the younger members of his squad throughout the Europa League campaign. While some of that was down to rotation during the group stage, the numbers speak for themselves.
Tottenham’s under-21 players have contributed to 10 goals in the competition so far (six goals and four assists). To put that into perspective, the last team to get more output from their youth was Arsenal in 2020-21, when their young stars contributed to 14 goals.
Regardless of age, it’s Eintracht Frankfurt who come into the tie with a stronger recent track record in Europe. This marks their third Europa League quarter-final appearance. On both previous occasions, they failed to win the first leg—losing 4-2 to Benfica in 2018-19 and drawing 1-1 with Barcelona in 2021-22—but still managed to progress.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are featuring in a major European quarter-final for the first time since their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2018-19. However, history isn’t on their side—they’ve won just one of their last 13 quarter-final ties (D6 L6).
Ange Postecoglou has also placed trust in the younger members of his squad throughout the Europa League campaign. While some of that was down to rotation during the group stage, the numbers speak for themselves.
Tottenham’s under-21 players have contributed to 10 goals in the competition so far (six goals and four assists). To put that into perspective, the last team to get more output from their youth was Arsenal in 2020-21, when their young stars contributed to 14 goals.
Regardless of age, it’s Eintracht Frankfurt who come into the tie with a stronger recent track record in Europe. This marks their third Europa League quarter-final appearance. On both previous occasions, they failed to win the first leg—losing 4-2 to Benfica in 2018-19 and drawing 1-1 with Barcelona in 2021-22—but still managed to progress.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are featuring in a major European quarter-final for the first time since their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2018-19. However, history isn’t on their side—they’ve won just one of their last 13 quarter-final ties (D6 L6).
A repeat of their lone quarter-final victory in that stretch—a 1-0 home win over Manchester City in April 2019—would be hugely welcomed by Tottenham as they aim to take an advantage into next week’s return leg in Germany.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt: Head-to-Head
This will be the third different competition in which Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt have faced each other.
Their most recent encounters came during the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2022. A cagey 0-0 draw in Germany offered little preview of the drama that would unfold in the return leg in north London. Despite Daichi Kamada putting Frankfurt ahead, Spurs responded in style—Son Heung-min netted twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty to give the hosts a 3-1 lead by half-time. The game ended 3-2 in Tottenham’s favour.
Their only other European meeting dates back to the 1981-82 Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals. Spurs secured a 2-0 home win before narrowly losing 2-1 in the return leg, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Tottenham Hotspur – Team News
Tottenham’s injury concerns have largely eased in recent weeks, but they will still be without Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso, and Radu Dragusin for Thursday’s first-leg clash. While there’s hope that Kulusevski and Danso could return for the second leg, Dragusin has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
On the positive side, Rodrigo Bentancur is available again after serving a one-match Europa League suspension. Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, both rested over the weekend, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Ange Postecoglou still has a key decision to make in the final third—specifically, who gets the nod on the right wing between Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert.
Tottenham Hotspur – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Vicario
- Defenders – Perro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence
- Midfielders – Sarr, Bergvall, Maddison
- Forwards – Odobert, Solanke, Son Heung-min
Eintracht Frankfurt – Team News
Eintracht Frankfurt will be without first-choice goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who hasn’t recovered in time, meaning second-choice Kaua Santos will start between the posts. Elye Wahi also remains sidelined, though Igor Matanovic is back in the squad after a two-month absence.
Up front, Hugo Ekitike poses the biggest threat for the Bundesliga side following Omar Marmoush’s January move to Manchester City. He’ll be supported by the experienced Mario Götze, who, at 32, still offers creativity and danger from midfield.
Eintracht Frankfurt – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Santos
- Defenders – Kristensen, Koch, Tuta, Brown
- Midfielders – Hojlund, Skhiri, Larsson
- Forwards – Gotze, Ekitike, Bahoya
Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt: Prediction
Tottenham warmed up for this clash with a rather unconvincing 3-1 win over Southampton, a match in which they rarely had to shift out of second gear. Whether that result provides any real momentum remains to be seen, but they’ll head into Thursday’s fixture fresh and ready.
Frankfurt, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency since Omar Marmoush’s departure, winning just five of their 13 matches since his move to Manchester City. However, their impressive Europa League form has remained intact. This quarter-final promises to be closely contested over two legs, but Spurs are tipped to take a narrow advantage at home in the first leg.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
When and Where to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-finals first leg between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The match is set for April 11 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
FAQs
When is the Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg?
The first leg takes place on Thursday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What is Tottenham’s injury update ahead of the Frankfurt clash?
Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso, and Radu Dragusin are ruled out; Rodrigo Bentancur returns from suspension, while Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are expected to start.
Who are the key players for Frankfurt against Spurs?
Striker Hugo Ekitike is Frankfurt’s main threat, supported by veteran playmaker Mario Götze. Goalkeeper Kaua Santos will start in place of the injured Kevin Trapp.
How have Tottenham and Frankfurt performed in recent Europa League campaigns?
Frankfurt have lost just 2 of their last 23 Europa League games, while Tottenham are in their first major European quarter-final since 2019.
What was the result when Tottenham last played Frankfurt at home?
Spurs beat Frankfurt 3-2 at home in the 2022 UEFA Champions League group stage after trailing early in the game.
