Matchday in focus: Leipzig | OneFootball

Leipzig host Frankfurt with impressive knockout pedigree, a blossoming Antonio Nusa and a lengthy injury list.

Tactics

Leipzig regularly vary their system between 4-4-2 – or to be precise 4-2-2-2 with two 10s and two defensive midfielders – and 3-4-2-1. In the 5-1 defeat against Wolfsburg on Saturday, coach Marco Rose only had three fully fit recognised defenders available in Lutsharel Geertruida, Benjamin Henrichs and Willi Orban. In goal, Maarten Vandevoordt is set to be given a chance ahead of regular number one Péter Gulácsi.

While the defence virtually picks itself at the moment, it’s a case of two from three in central midfield, with Amadou Haidara, Kevin Kampl and Arthur Vermeeren vying for selection. When it comes to the firepower in attack, hopes rest on winger Antonio Nusa as well as forwards Benjamin Sesko and Loïs Openda.

Eintracht boss Dino Toppmöller is not being blindsided by the hosts’ personnel shortage: “When you look at the first XI – and that's what matters – they have a top team on the pitch.”

Absentees

For Leipzig, David Raum, Xavi Simons, Eljif Elmas, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Yussuf Poulsen, Castello Lukeba and Assan Ouédraogo are all currently sidelined by injury. Lukas Klostermann is doubtful after muscle and knee problems. He “might return” and will “have a go in training”, revealed Rose. With regards to managing his players’ fitness, Leipzig’s coach added: “We’re in a vicious circle. The number of players is getting smaller, you have to take risks to some extent.”

Eintracht Frankfurt must do without Aurèle Amenda (high ankle sprain) as well as Arthur Theate, who is suspended and also has a lateral ligament injury.

One to watch: Antonio Nusa

The Norwegian winger, who moved to Leipzig in summer 2024, has quickly settled into the team. Rose highlighted his importance and potential after the recent match against Hoffenheim: “Antonio was our best player and put in another strong performance. He’s emerged as a real mainstay of the attack in recent weeks. He’s a big threat and sets up goals.”

Nusa…

• … is a Norway international and has scored four goals in 13 international appearances.

• … has played 12 Bundesliga games this season (two goals, four assists), five in the Champions League and two DFB Cup matches (two goals).

• … previously played for Stabæk as a youngster and professional and for Club Brugge, where he twice became a Belgian champion and also won the          Belgian Super Cup.

Runs and statistics

Over the last eight seasons, Frankfurt have reached the cup final three times and Leipzig on four occasions.

This is the third successive year that the Eagles have got to the last-16 stage of the competition – the last time they did that was between 2004/05 and 2006/07.