Both sides will enter this DFB Pokal encounter on the back of league victories at the weekend, as Eintracht Frankfurt host Borussia Dortmund at Deutsche Bank Park for what promises to be a fascinating second-round tie.
The Eagles advanced to this stage of the competition after brushing aside lower-division side Engers with ease, while the Prussians secured their passage with a narrow 1-0 triumph away to RW Essen.
Read our Frankfurt vs Dortmund predictions and preview below, and remember to also check our other DFB Pokal betting tips.
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Frankfurt vs Dortmund predictions: Could go beyond regulation time
Key stats:
- Five of the last eight meetings between Frankfurt and Dortmund at DB Park have ended in score draws.
- Dortmund have lost only one of their seven away fixtures across all competitions this season (W4, D2).
- Over 2.5 goals have been recorded in 10 of Frankfurt’s 12 outings so far in 2025-26.
Correct score prediction: Frankfurt 2-2 Dortmund
Frankfurt have endured a difficult run of home results in recent weeks, though confidence should be lifted after ending a three-match losing spell at DB Park with victory over St Pauli last time out. The Eagles have struggled defensively but remain a constant threat going forward, while Dortmund’s qualities in the final third have also been evident.
The Prussians’s only defeat away from home this season came against Bayern Munich, and considering both teams’ recent tendencies, this fixture could extend beyond the regulation 90 minutes, with the two sides likely to find the net.
Pre-match analysis: Odds suggest competitive clash
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
The above odds indicate a finely balanced encounter, with very little separating the two sides. Dortmund hold a slight advantage with a 46.5% implied probability of victory, while Frankfurt are not far behind at 37.0%. A draw, which has been a common outcome in recent head-to-head meetings, stands at a 29.4% chance.
Our hot tip of “away to score more than 1.5 goals” is priced at 1.85 odds, offering solid value given Dortmund’s consistency in front of goal this season along with Frankfurt’s vulnerability and excellence at opposite ends.
Most recent H2H: Home side claimed the spoils
The last encounter between these sides saw Frankfurt claim a 2-0 victory at DB Park in the Bundesliga last season, following Dortmund’s win by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture.
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Frankfurt preview: Injured trio remain sidelined
Frankfurt remain without forward Jessic Ngankam, who continues his recovery from a tibia and fibula fracture. Elias Baum and Oscar Hojlund are also sidelined with thigh injuries, leaving Dino Toppmoller with a few absences to manage.
Nevertheless, the head coach is expected to name a strong starting XI, with defender Arthur Theate available once again after missing the previous round through suspension.
Predicted XI: Grahl (GK), Kristensen, Theatre, Koch, Brown, Doan, Gotze, Schkiri, Uzun, Knauff & Burkardt
Frankfurt’s last five results:
- 25/10/25: Frankfurt 2-0 St. Pauli (W)
- 22/10/25: Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool (L)
- 19/10/25: Freiburg 2-2 Frankfurt (D)
- 04/10/25: Frankfurt 0-3 Bayern Munich (L)
- 30/09/25: Atletico Madrid 5-1 Frankfurt (L)
Dortmund preview: Maximilian Beier pushing for start
Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac will be pleased to have an almost full squad available for this tie, with winger Julien Duranville and versatile midfielder Emre Can — both yet to feature this season — the only expected absentees.
Meanwhile, Maximilian Beier might be rewarded with a starting place after his decisive stoppage-time winner against FC Koln at the weekend.
Predicted XI: Kobel (GK), Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini, Ryerson, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson, Adeyemi, Beier & Guirassy
Dortmund’s last five results:
- 25/10/25: Dortmund 1-0 FC Koln (W)
- 21/10/25: FC Copenhagen 2-4 Dortmund (W)
- 18/10/25: Bayern Munich 2-1 Dortmund (L)
- 04/10/25: Dortmund 1-1 RB Leipzig (D)
- 01/10/25: Dortmund 4-1 Ath Bilbao (W)
Player to watch: Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze made his first start of the campaign against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last week before being used as a substitute in the Bundesliga over the weekend. Gotze could be handed another opportunity to start on Tuesday, and all eyes will be on the creative midfielder’s performance against his former club, where he spent two memorable stints and delivered some of his finest displays.