Frankfurt were beaten 3-1 by Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend, extending a difficult run that now stands at four straight defeats across all competitions. The Eagles have failed to win any of their last seven matches across all competitions, yet they have continuously found the back of the net. Defensively, however, they have struggled, conceding multiple goals in each of those seven games.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in six of Frankfurt’s last seven matches, which underlines how open their games have been. In the Bundesliga, they have scored 40 goals and conceded 45, averaging 4.25 goals per game. Only Bayern Munich have provided more entertainment, which bodes well for another open contest.

Union Berlin have been less enterprising going forward, but their recent form points in a similar direction. They come into this clash following back-to-back defeats, conceding three goals in each of those games. With both sides short on confidence defensively, goals become a target.

The reverse fixture between these sides finished as a seven-goal contest at the Deutsche Bank Park. Union Berlin raced to a 4-1 lead early in the second half, which forced Frankfurt into a more aggressive approach as they tried to chase the game.

Frankfurt did manage to pull the score back to 4-3 late on, but were unable to find the decisive goal in the end. Referee Sven Jablonski was kept busy, showing a total of five cards, of which three went to Frankfurt. Union Berlin manager Steffen Baumgart was also sent to the stands following a dispute.

Union Berlin have seen an uptick in cards when playing on home turf this season, with over 2.5 cards landing in nine of their 12 home matches across all competitions. With both sides in need of points and sitting close together in the standings, this looks like another competitive contest, which makes cards a target.

Leopold Querfeld endured a difficult afternoon in the reverse fixture, picking up a late booking and conceding a penalty. It wasn’t the most convincing performance from the Austrian international, as he committed a total of two fouls.

The centre back has been particularly aggressive in recent weeks - Querfeld racked up five fouls against Hoffenheim at the weekend, taking his average to 1.39 fouls per 90 for the season. He has accrued 10 fouls in his last four matches, landing this selection in all of those.

He draws an excellent matchup here against Arnaut Kalimuendo, who has been able to cause problems for opposing defenders. The Frankfurt striker is averaging 1.95 fouls drawn per 90 since joining the German side, despite limited starts. Querfeld should have plenty of defensive work to get through on Friday night, which bodes well for at least one infringement.

Kalimuendo is set to be Frankfurt’s focal point in the final third here, with Jonathan Burkardt and Michy Batshuayi unavailable. New signing Younes Ebnoutalib also picked up an injury on just his second start for Frankfurt, leaving Kalimuendo as the only natural centre forward still fit.

The Frenchman has already scored twice since completing a move from Nottingham Forest in January, finding the net against Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim. He had two shots against Leverkusen at the weekend, although both were blocked, which shows how the chances were there even if the end product was lacking.

Kalimuendo draws a much better matchup here against a Union Berlin side who have struggled defensively in recent weeks. In the hopes of securing a positive result, Frankfurt should be front-footed in their approach here, and look to create chances for their centre forward.