Liverpool’s Ekitike returns to face floundering Frankfurt

Last yr, Frankfurt certified for the Champions League by ending within the Bundesliga prime 4 for the primary time of their historical past.

Their third-placed end was their greatest consequence because the 1992-93 season.

However, the Eagles have lacked any type of consistency because the begin of the present marketing campaign and boast only one win of their previous 5 video games in all competitions.

Liverpool’s misfiring ahead line can be licking their lips Frankfurt’s defence, which has conceded 18 targets in that five-game run.

While Liverpool, on a four-game dropping streak, have teething issues of their very own, Frankfurt have struggled after as soon as once more dropping their greatest star.

Last season, Ekitike was Frankfurt’s principal attacking pressure, significantly after the winter departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City.

The Frenchman scored 22 targets and laid on 12 assists in 48 video games in all competitions.

But Frankfurt have made a behavior of promoting their greatest abilities for giant income lately.

Ekitike grew to become the most recent starlet to go away Frankfurt in the summertime, when Liverpool paid a reported £69 million for his companies.

Ekitike, Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller and Willian Pacho have introduced in a mixed 418 million euros since 2020.

But whereas Frankfurt’s scouts have proven a continued potential to unearth gems, the departure of key gamers at all times results in a interval of rebuilding.

And Frankfurt, as is usually the case for a younger crew in such a section, have proven strokes of brilliance and moments of pure chaos in equal measure this season.

– ‘A distinct recreation’ –

Playing within the Champions League for simply the second time of their historical past, Frankfurt opened their marketing campaign with an unimaginable 5-1 dwelling win over Galatasaray, with their youthful attackers working riot.

But subsequent day out, the 2022 Europa League winners have been humbled at Atletico Madrid by the identical scoreline, with their chaotic defence an utter shambles.

In the Bundesliga, Frankfurt’s hot-and-cold three wins, three losses and one draw has them seventh after seven matches.

Apart from league leaders Bayern Munich, Dino Toppmoeller’s facet have scored essentially the most targets within the league this season however they’ve additionally conceded greater than another facet.

Frankfurt’s struggles could also be an opportunity for Liverpool to revive their season, however the dwelling facet know the English champions can be weak whereas they attempt to discover their toes.

Florian Wirtz has but to attain or help within the Premier League or Champions League since arriving in Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summertime.

Deadly anyplace in or across the field for Newcastle, Alexander Isak is one other summer season arrival who’s but to look his greatest.

Ekitike is maybe the one considered one of Liverpool’s new recruits to impress regardless of the membership’s struggles this season.

The 23-year-old has 5 targets in 11 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool.

Sporting director Timmo Hardung stated taking up the Reds may present the spark to ignite Frankfurt’s season.

“It will be a completely different game,” Hardung informed Frankfurt’s web site on Sunday.

“Starting Monday, issues will transfer ahead once more.

“Liverpool. Champions League. There’s nothing better in football. I’m incredibly excited about it.”

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