Eintracht Frankfurt look to continue impressive European run at Benfica

Eintracht Frankfurt have been somehwhat of a suprise package to most this season, they are flying in the Bundesliga and sauntered through their Europa League group to find themselves in the quarter final against Portugese giants Benfica.

The two sides have never met in the Europa League before, although Frankfurt will hope to have better fortunes than their last tie against Portugese opponents. In the 2013/14 season, Porto knocked the German side out on away goals after two score draws, with the 3-3 result in Frankfurt proving key as away goals ruled.

Benfica will travel knowing they will come face to face with Luka Jovic, who is on loan at Frankfurt from the Lisbon based side. The young Serbian has the option of a 6 million Euro move to Germany which the club will activate, this comes after a phenomenal season for the forward, who has 24 goals in 38 appearances this season.

Frankfurt will see the return of one of their former players too, Haris Seferovic spent three seasons in the Bundesliga, but managed just 16 goals. The 27-year-old is having a much more prolific time at Benfica though, this season the Swiss striker has 22 goals in all competitions and will hope to put his former club out of Europe.

The home side will be without Brazilian forward Jonas and Argentine midfielder Eduardo Salviom whilst two more Brazilians, Jardel and Gabriel are doubtful for the game.

Sebastien Rode is questionable for Frankfurt, but the biggest concern is around French forward Sebastien Haller, who has been key in providing a platform for his strike partner Jovic to flourish whilst himself grabbing 19 goals this season.

Both squads will see their respective home leg hugely important in the makeup of this tie. Benfica will go into that second match knowing exactly what needs to be done and that may give them the psychological advantage. But Frankfurt have proved time and time again they are not to be underestimated.

Prediction; Benfica 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

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