It’s that time again! It’s time to use the word Rückrunde. Rückrunde Rückrunde Rückrunde. If you didn’t know, Rückrunde is the German term for the second half of the Bundesliga season, after the winter
break. I know this because I am a writer at Fear the Wall, and we seem to use this word a lot, myself in particular.
So welcome to the Rückrunde. BVB arrive in second place in the Bundesliga, a respectable league position, but less so because of how deeply they find themselves in Bayern’s shadow. Oh well, what are you gonna do. Frankfurt is a mighty test out of the gates, as the eagles would fancy themselves with a decent chance to nick a point or three off of the Black and Yellows. Though Frankfurt sit in 7th, it is another close table in the Bundesliga this season, and a win over BVB could catapult them to 5th, within a point of third place. Frankfurt have already been active in the winter transfer market, signing Arnaud Kalimuendo on loan from Nottingham Forest, and Younes Ebnoutalib from SV Eldersburg. Both signings are strikers to help Frankfurt cope with the losses of Jonathan Burkhardt and Michy Batshuayi to injury.
Dortmund last played Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal, sneaking past on penalties only to be knocked out by Bayer Leverkusen. It was a tough match then, so Niko Kovac should be expecting a tough match now.
Player to Watch: Michael Zetterer
Frankfurt have historically had some really great goalkeepers. Lukas Hradecky, Kevin Trapp to name their recent guys. Michael Zetterer has had a tough go of it for the Eagles this season. Frankfurt are second worst in the league for goals conceded, averaging two a match. TWO AVERAGE! That’s pretty rough. I won’t claim to have watched enough Frankfurt to say if that’s Zetterer’s fault or the defensive line in front of him, but I think it’s still fair to call him a player to watch, because if he’s having a bad day, we may watch a lot of him.
Expected Lineup
This is what I’m going for. Anton made it sound like he was fully fit in an interview the other day, so I expect he will return to the starting lineup in place of Can. Süle had a good game against Gladbach so I’ve elected for him to retain his place. After some of the recent Adeyemi drama, I predict he will drop to the bench. Jobe Bellingham is suspended.
Prediction
I’m going to say 2-2. Frankfurt are averaging two goals scored and two goals conceded on average this season. Statistics says the game will end 2-2. Just ask Paul I’m sure he will agree with that interpretation.
