Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur: Europa League quarter-final 2nd leg preview

After a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in North London, Tottenham head to Germany with a semi-final spot and their last shot at silverware on the line. With pressure mounting on Ange Postecoglou, this tie could be season-defining for the entire club.

After weeks of constant anticipation for this particular fixture, it’s finally here. There are many reasons why fans have had this one circled for weeks.

From Ange Postecoglou saying he always wins something in his second season – and this being his last straw – to this now also widely being pronounced by Spurs fans as the decider on whether Ange will, or should, remain Tottenham boss for any longer.

What time does Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

• Location: Frankfurt, Germany
• Stadium: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt am Main
• Date: Sunday 13th April 2025
• Kick-off Time: 8pm BST
• Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)

How both teams go into Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur

Certainly, Tottenham would have hoped to enter this fixture from something better than their most recent 4-2 loss against Wolves. To be fair, all four goals conceded were the result of individual errors, but that’s not enough to excuse the toothless performance in possession.

Some of that may be down to resting key players, but even then, Spurs fans expected more against a side flirting with relegation (not anymore- thanks to Dr.Tottenham).

Before that was the 1-1 draw played out in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – something you might call the extreme opposite of the catastrophe at Molineux.

Eintracht Frankfurt will consider themselves very lucky to have escaped with a draw to bring back home. Meanwhile, Tottenham would have left with a bit of guilt after coming so close to scoring three or four more yet remaining inches away.

That result stands as Tottenham’s only draw in a worrying five-game run: one win, one draw, and three defeats. The lone victory? A 3-1 over 20th-placed Southampton.

Arguably, this fixture has come at just the right time; amidst a run of games against relegation-threatened sides, which should’ve brought Spurs some confidence. But they’ve made the worst out of it.

Eintracht Frankfurt are also coming into this fixture after playing a relegation candidate; FC Heidenheim. And unlike Spurs, they made the most of it, winning 3-0. Their last five matches read two wins, two losses, and one draw, which points to inconsistency but still slightly more momentum than their English counterparts.

Tottenham team news

There was at least one silver lining to the defeat at Molineux: no new injuries. Better still, Dejan Kulusevski made a surprise return to the pitch despite Ange ruling him out. He brought life to a previously clueless Tottenham attack, and that should be a big boost for the away side. Richarlison also returned and found the net.

Son Heung-min missed the Wolves clash due to a foot issue but is expected to be fit for Frankfurt along with Wilson Odobert. Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin remain the only confirmed absentees.

We’ll wait for any updates from Ange Postecoglou’s press conference later today for positive news on Son, Odobert, and Danso or any possible additional absentees.

However, Spurs Web has been exclusively informed that Kevin Danso could return to the Tottenham squad against Frankfurt.

Eintracht Frankfurt team news

The German side are also set to receive a major boost with the potential return of goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who missed the first leg through injury. Ansgar Knauff, Eric Ebimbe and Kristian Lisztes are nearing fitness, but their involvement remains unclear.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Guglielmo Vicario had an outing to forget against Wolves, and he’ll definitely not want to carry that form into this game. Despite shouts from Tottenham fans for Antonin Kinsky to be given the nod instead, it’s highly unlikely Ange will change his choice between the sticks.

Djed Spence wasn’t at his best against Wolves, whereas Destiny Udogie put up a solid performance in the first leg and was rested entirely last weekend – so the Italian is likely to retain his spot.

If Kulusevski is considered ready, there’s no doubt he could start over the either of Bentancur, Bergvall, or Maddison (most likely Maddison), depending on his training performance and post-match strain.

Solanke hasn’t scored since January, but he’s shown up in big games. Expect Richarlison to come on for him after 60–75 minutes.

Mathys Tel scored against Wolves and has a good chance of starting over Son. The same could be said for Odobert replacing Brennan Johnson but only if fit. For now, Son and Johnson remain the likely starters.

Key players to watch out for

Dominic Solanke. He hasn’t scored since returning from injury, but he’s proven himself as a big-game player multiple times this season. He’ll be well aware that Richarlison is breathing down his neck for a starting spot and may have a point to prove.

Guglielmo Vicario. That makes it two underperformers from the last game who’ve made this list. However, fans tend to forget how often this man has saved Spurs from embarrassment. He’s not been great at collecting from set pieces, nor has his footwork impressed recently. But there are absolutely no complaints about how good of a shot-stopper and leader on the pitch he is. He’ll have a busy night but you can count on him.

Hugo Ekitike. Here’s the guy who’ll give Vicario a busy outing. Eintracht Frankfurt are lucky to have him just at the right time to fill Omar Marmoush’s boots up front. He scored a goal and grabbed an assist last time out, taking his tally to three goal contributions in his last two fixtures. His pace is a big threat though it shouldn’t be one for Van de Ven.

Kevin Trapp. They say even the worst goalkeepers turn into their prime selves when playing against Tottenham – so what about one of the best? Kevin Trapp has been itching to return to the pitch, and if he does start, expect him to be a wall. He’s saved two out of two penalties in the Bundesliga this season. Spurs will want to avoid a shootout.

Our prediction

Picture it: a green shirt, a hostile European atmosphere, and the pressure of needing to prove a point. Last time it felt like this, it was that night in Amsterdam. The stakes are eerily similar – only this time, Spurs are on their worst run of the decade.

Ange Postecoglou knows full well what this game means. The fans, the media, the board; everyone expects a reaction. There’s no room for error. It’s all or nothing now.

Predicted score: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur

COYS!

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