A potential turning point, a must-not lose, a season-defining moment. That’s exactly what is at stake for both Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen when they meet on matchday 20 this weekend. Both have had a torrid time so far in 2026 and are at risk of blowing their Champions League hopes for next term. For Frankfurt, a loss could further the gap between them and any sort of European place finish, whilst a loss for Leverkusen could open the door to the likes of Freiburg for a Champions League spot.
Perhaps this is a game for those who can hold their nerve? One thing we should expect is goals. The last 30 games between these two have never finished 0-0. Here is your preview of what should be a fascinating game between Frankfurt and Leverkusen.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt fans were finally put out of their Champions League misery as they bowed out on the final matchday, losing 0-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Now they can focus on saving their Bundesliga campaign, which could become even more painful should they lose on Saturday.
The Eagles are taking their time in finding a new head coach. Board Member for Sport Markus Krösche has confirmed rumours that the Bundesliga club’s search for a new head coach is stretching out for a little while longer. Krösche confirmed that the interim coaching duo of Dennis Schmitt and Alexander Meier will remain on the bench for this weekend’s Bundesliga fixture.
Albert Riera has been heavily linked to the job, but it remains to be seen if Frankfurt will get their man. The club and NK Celje still haven’t negotiated the final details of Albert Riera’s move to the Frankfurt bench. Kicker claims that the Bundesliga club wishes to negotiate down a €5m exit clause in Riera’s current contract with his Slovenian club.
Frankfurt are winless in their last eight games in competitions and have the worst defence in the league, except for bottom of the league Heidenheim. You feel it’s going to take a monumental effort to keep Leverkusen at bay, who are coming off the back of two wins on the bounce. The Eagles have looked good in certain periods of games, but can never quite put in a complete performance over 90 minutes.
Perhaps it’s a case of splitting the game into chunks? As soon as they conceded against Hoffenheim last weekend, you could feel the atmosphere in the stadium change. If they concede early against Leverkusen, it could prove to be a disaster.
Bayer Leverkusen
After a difficult start to 2026, Leverkusen have secured a play-off in the Champions League and recently beat Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. Another win on the weekend would keep the pressure on VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in (5th & 6th).
After a slight wobbled against Stuttgart and Hoffenheim in recent weeks, it’s critical that Leverkusen now pulls a string of results together. With others around them looking stronger, they can’t afford to drop many more points if they’re to get a Champions League space next season.
After officially losing both his No. 1 slot and the Gladbach captaincy just prior to the start of this season, Omlin naturally remains enthused to be moving to a different club. Omlin didn’t shy away from stating his ambitions in a public relations interview published on Leverkusen’s club channels. “I haven’t had much playing time in recent months, and I really hope that I can prove myself here and play for Leverkusen.”
Team News
Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt will be without several players this weekend. Forwards Michy Batshuayi and Jonathan Burkardt are ruled out through injury, and so is youngster Can Uzun, who is nursing a thigh problem.
New signing Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga from Nottingham Forest could start in the attacking line-up this weekend.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen centre-back Loic Bade is suspended for the fixture, whilst shotstopper Mark Flekken is ruled out through a knee injury, which will keep him sidelined until March. The game comes too soon for Nathan Tella, who should be back in the next few weeks following a foot injury.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
