Preview: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Royal Antwerp - prediction, team news, lineups

Thursday will see two teams at the opposite ends of Group D compete as table-toppers Eintracht Frankfurt face Royal Antwerp in their latest Europa League class.

The hosts have already secured progression into the next round while it is impossible for the visitors to qualify, making this a game of pride more than anything.

Match preview

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Eintracht Frankfurt have dominated their group so far, having not lost a game yet, which is something the squad shall be aiming to continue on Thursday.

After drawing the opening match with Fenerbahce, the German outfit have gone on to win their next three fixtures in the competition, showcasing their quality.

When they last faced Royal Antwerp they did leave things late to secure the victory, with a 91st-minute penalty from Goncalo Paciencia securing the result.

The defensive display in that game summed up how strong Oliver Glasner's team have been though, as they have only conceded three times so far in the competition.

While this match might not mean anything in terms of their qualification into the next round, a win would guarantee that they top the group, which is an achievement the club is no doubt looking for.

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For the visitors, they shall simply be looking for their first win in the competition as they make a bid to not finish bottom after the six games are over.

Right now the Belgian club trails Fenerbahce by four points and a positive result for them would bring an end to any hopes of Antwerp not finishing in fourth place.

The Europa League has proven to be difficult for the squad as they have not won a game yet, conceding eight goals throughout those fixtures.

However, their form in the Belgian Pro League is much different and Brian Priske will be hoping his team can bring that into the final two European matches.

Right now, Royal Antwerp sit second in their own division and bringing that type of confidence into Thursday's contest could create a close match.

Team News

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Considering the fact that they have already qualified into the next round, there is a chance that Eintracht Frankfurt could rest a few players with future games in mind.

However, with the chance to secure first place, that is a risk that Glasner may not be willing to take, which could see him use the same starting XI as the weekend.

Paciencia is due to return to the squad soon following his muscle problem and this could provide the perfect opportunity to provide him some minutes.

For the visitors, Mbwana Samatta may have earned a chance to start on Thursday night after coming from the bench to find the back of the net at the weekend.

Their only major injury concern is a long-term one, with Sander Coopman having ruptured his cruciate ligament.

Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:
Trapp; Tuta, Hasebe, Ndicka; Kostic, Jakic, Sow, Chandler; Kamada, Lindstrom; Paciencia

Royal Antwerp possible starting lineup:
Butez; De Laet, Seck, Engels, Vines; Yusuf, Verstraete; Benson, Balikwisha, Nainggolan; Samatta

We say: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 Royal Antwerp

It is hard to look past the hosts in this particular fixture considering the fact they have already wrapped up their qualification into the next round.

With the chance to secure a top-place finish Eintracht Frankfurt will no doubt be throwing everything at this, which should be enough to take them through.

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