Darmstadt 98 vs Eintracht Frankfurt Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Darmstadt 98’s overall performance and eventual survival in the Bundesliga last season came as a huge surprise to many who thought that, for a relatively small side, back-to-back promotions with very little investment would almost certainly see their demise. Darmstadt’s strong start to the season ultimately helped save them as worsening form towards the end of the season saw them slide slowly down the table, eventually finishing just two points above the relegation zone. While they were one of the Bundesliga’s most efficient chance converters in front of goal, 65.5% of recorded chances resulted in a goal, and the fourth-best team on the road last season, we feel Darmstadt will have a hard time replicating that this season after the transfer of Sandro Wagner – something that was displayed in their opening 2-0 defeat away to FC Cologne.

Frankfurt’s 16th placed relegation play-off position finish was a surprise for many in the 2015/2016 season after their 9th place finish the season prior. Frankfurt narrowly avoided relegation with a 2-1 aggregate win over 2. Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg in the playoffs and their opening DFB Pokal (German League Cup) first round match wasn’t the most promising performance ahead of the new season – Frankfurt scraped through to the next round on penalties after 3. Liga side FC Magdeburg held them to a 1-1 draw during regular time. Frankfurt silenced the doubters, however, with a 1-0 win over Schalke in their opener despite having plenty of injuries to contend with. Coach Niko Kovac will hope that new signings centre forward Branimir Hrgota from Borussia M’gladbach, who shone on his debut, and loanee right-back Guillermo Varela will help his side into a more comfortable campaign this time around.

Darmstadt’s start to the season without “superstar” Sandro Wagner, who scored fourteen goals over 32 appearances for the club and signed for TSG Hoffenheim over the summer, was unsurprisingly bleak. Wagner was, by %, not only Darmstadt’s most involved player, when combining assists and goals scored, but one of the most vital players for any team in the Bundesliga last season. Darmstadt have made no signings that come close to replacing his “irreplaceable” role in their squad, and we expect this to be a season-long struggle. Meanwhile, Frankfurt are enjoying the return of veteran forward and captain Alexander Meier, who opened his score tally in their 1-0 opening win and is aiming for a double-digit goal haul for a fifth time in six seasons. Meier scored twelve of Frankfurt’s thirty-four last season despite missing fifteen matches to injury. Morale will certainly be high heading into this match.

Darmstadt had one of the worst home records in the Bundesliga last season (W2 D2 L11) and we just can’t see past how this trend should change without their main man Wagner and a much weakened line-up. Frankfurt’s survival and Meier’s return has clearly revitalised the side and after a decent performance against Schalke we find a Frankfurt win to be a really decent price.

As such, Frankfurt to win at 11/8 and Frankfurt to win 2-0 at 10/1 are our choice bets for this match.