The Bundesliga returns after an unusually long three-week international break with arguably the most intriguing fixture of Matchday 5. RB Leipzig host Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening with both clubs looking to establish themselves among the European contenders.
Only one point separates them. Leipzig are ninth with six points, while Frankfurt sit tenth with five. Both have scored nine Bundesliga goals, although their respective starts have been inconsistent. Leipzig have won both home matches, scoring eight without conceding, but lost away at Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen. Frankfurt, meanwhile, have taken four of their five points away from home.
One of the most interesting tactical battles will come immediately after kick-off.
Adi Hütter’s Frankfurt have scored inside the opening 10 minutes in all four Bundesliga matches this season. Five of their nine goals have arrived during the opening 15 minutes, while they have led at half-time in every league game.
Younes Ebnoutalib and Jonathan Burkardt have been particularly impressive. Ebnoutalib has four goals and one assist, while Burkardt has three goals and one assist. Together, they have scored seven of Frankfurt’s nine league goals.
The problem has been maintaining that intensity. If matches ended at half-time, Frankfurt would currently lead the Bundesliga. Their inability to control games after taking the lead helps explain why five points from four matches does not properly reflect how dangerous they have looked going forward.
Leipzig’s season has followed a different pattern under Martín Demichelis.
They opened with a convincing 3-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach before losing 3-1 in Bremen. A 5-0 response against Hamburg suggested they had found momentum, only for Bayer Leverkusen to defeat them 2-0 immediately before the international break.
Home form provides encouragement. Leipzig have won seven consecutive Bundesliga matches at the Red Bull Arena across this season and last, while they have never lost a Bundesliga home game during October. Frankfurt, meanwhile, have won only once in 10 Bundesliga visits to Leipzig.
For two clubs with realistic European ambitions, Saturday represents an early opportunity to make a statement. Leipzig need to demonstrate that their impressive home performances can become consistent, while Frankfurt must prove they can turn excellent starts into complete 90-minute displays.
After three weeks without Bundesliga football, Leipzig against Frankfurt is an ideal way for the competition to return.
