'Keep away run going': Women confident ahead of top match at Eintracht Frankfurt

Even though Eintracht Frankfurt have had an impressive season after the early exit from the Champions League qualifiers and are now top of the table with the most goals scored and the least conceded, the situation does offer cause for optimism. "We were in a similar position ahead of the Wolfsburg game and we put on a very good display then. We intend to do the same now," said head coach Roberto Pätzold. His team did go top of the table for a night in December with the 1-0 home win against Wolfsburg – three points against the Frankfurt Women would repeat that situation.

Another reason to be positive is the 2-2 draw in the Hinrunde clash at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. "We did fade a little in the closing stages but we played well for large stretches of the match. We have come on since then and can now compete for 90 minutes. We will play with that self-belief also because we want to maintain our away run," said Pätzold. The Werkself are now unbeaten on the road in six matches. On top of that, the seventh win in succession came last Sunday with the 2-1 victory away to SC Freiburg in the rearranged game. "Because of that we also know where we are in the build-up. That has done our confidence good," said the coach.

Pätzold will not want to change his mind about this confidence regardless of the quality of Eintracht Frankfurt. "We want to remain true to our style of play and apply pressure up front against the best teams as well," he said: "The position in the table is also attractive but we primarily want to challenge Frankfurt's quality with our strengths and our team spirit. It will be played at high intensity with lots of challenges as both teams will fight for control with full commitment in every phase of the game. It could be a battle of attrition where it comes down to efficiency, patience and dealing with mistakes." That produces a clear demand on his players: "We want to play a tight game and show our usual determination, discipline and commitment on the pitch," said the 45-year-old coach: "We've shown in every game that we are capable of scoring goals and that it is very difficult to come back against us after going behind."

Vidal back in the squad

It remains to be seen if our captain Friederike Repohl will be back in goal after her viral infection, midfielder Juliette Vidal will wear a mask after breaking her nose and is back in the squad, Paulina Bartz, Synne Skinnes Hansen and Loreen Bender still have to be patient. Vanessa Haim (back problems) and Sofia Cava Marin (torn cruciate) are still sidelined.

away Tickets online and from matchday ticket office

Anybody wanting to support the Werkself at the Stadion am Brentanobad in Frankfurt can complete a one-off registration at the Eintracht Frankfurt online ticket shop up to noon CET on Friday and buy tickets for Blocks K (seated) and I (standing) HERE. Tickets will also be available from the matchday ticket office.