FRANKFURT, Germany (Interstat) — A pivotal Bundesliga clash awaits Friday as Eintracht Frankfurt hosts Borussia Dortmund at Deutsche Bank Park, with both sides looking to build momentum entering the second half of the season.

The match, scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026, pits a Frankfurt side seeking consistency against a Dortmund squad riding a wave of positive results. Dortmund enters as the projected favorite, with Interstat’s game simulator forecasting a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Borussia Dortmund concludes its winter break having won three of its last four matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Bor M’gladbach II on Dec. 19. Their form has been marked by a potent attack, netting four goals in wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal CF in late November. However, defensive stability has been elusive, with draws against Freiburg II and Bodo/Glimt preceding the break.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent form presents a mixed picture. A 1-1 draw with Hamburger SV II on Dec. 20 followed a narrow 1-0 league win at Augsburg. The club has endured heavy defeats this season, including a 6-0 loss at RB Leipzig and a 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta, highlighting a susceptibility under pressure.

The fixture opens a challenging January schedule for both clubs. Dortmund faces a congested run featuring Bundesliga matches against Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin, alongside a crucial UEFA Champions League double-header against Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.

Frankfurt’s path is equally daunting, with a quick turnaround to visit Stuttgart on Jan. 13, followed by a home match against Hoffenheim and a Champions League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the month.

Historically, matches between these sides are high-stakes affairs, and Friday’s meeting will set the tone for their demanding campaigns ahead. Dortmund will rely on its offensive firepower, while Frankfurt will aim to leverage its home support and disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm to secure a vital result.