Frankfurt vs Tottenham

The Deutsche Bank Park sets the stage tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for a clash of contrasting fates. Eintracht Frankfurt welcomes Tottenham Hotspur for the final matchday of the Champions League league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET / 15:00 ET).

For Tottenham Hotspur, the mission is simple: a win guarantees a Top 8 finish and direct entry to the Round of 16. Currently sitting in 5th place (14 points), Thomas Frank’s side is looking to bypass the playoff round entirely. Eintracht Frankfurt, rooted in 33rd place (4 points), has already been eliminated from knockout contention and is playing strictly for pride.

Match Information

Eintracht Frankfurt: Restoring Pride

It has been a difficult European campaign for Die Adler. Under interim coach Dennis Schmitt, Frankfurt has struggled with consistency, currently enduring a six-match winless streak across all competitions. Their most recent outing was a disappointing 3–2 loss to Qarabag, followed by a 3–1 domestic defeat to Hoffenheim.

Team News and Selection:

• Attacking Crisis: The hosts are missing several key forwards. Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, Michy Batshuayi, and Jonathan Burkardt are all sidelined with long-term injuries.

• Midfield Stability: Hugo Larsson and Oscar Højlund are expected to hold the center, while veteran Mario Götze provides the creative spark.

• Defensive Fragility: Frankfurt has conceded 19 goals in 7 UCL games (2.7 per match). They will need a stellar performance from goalkeeper Kaua Santos to stop Spurs' frontline.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kaua; Collins, Koch, Theate, Brown; Hoejlund, Larsson; Doan, Goetze, Bahoya; Knauff

Tottenham Hotspur: The Final Push for Top 8

Despite a staggering injury list that has left 14 senior players unavailable, Thomas Frank has steered Spurs to the brink of direct qualification. While their away form in Europe has been patchy (0 wins in 3 games), their 2–0 win over Dortmund in Matchday 7 has put them in a commanding position.

Team News and Selection:

• The Injury Ward: Key defenders Pedro Porro (hamstring) and Micky van de Ven (minor knock) did not travel. They join James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison on the treatment table.

• The Car Crash Scare: Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert are available after being involved in a minor car accident on the way to the airport; both escaped unharmed and are expected to start.

• Midfield Boost: João Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr have returned to the squad, though Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma remain ineligible for this phase.

• The Solanke Streak: Dominic Solanke leads the line, aiming to continue his productive form alongside the highly-rated Xavi Simons.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Spence, Romero, Danso, Udogie; Palhinha, Gray; Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent Meeting: Tottenham beat Frankfurt 1–0 in the Europa League last April.

• Defensive Kings: Despite their injuries, Spurs have conceded only 7 goals in the league phase—one of the best records in the competition.

• Frankfurt's Home Run: Over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of Frankfurt's last 15 home games.

• Away Hoodoo: Tottenham is yet to win an away game in the Champions League this season (D2, L1).

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Frankfurt will likely look to exploit Spurs' makeshift backline, particularly targeting the space behind Djed Spence. However, Frankfurt’s own defensive lapses make them vulnerable to the pace of Odobert and Kolo Muani.

Tottenham’s strategy will revolve around Cristian Romero’s leadership at the back and João Palhinha’s ability to shield the defense. If Spurs can weather the early "Sleet and Snow" forecast for Frankfurt tonight, their superior depth in the final third should see them through.

Final Score Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–2 Tottenham Hotspur