Formation: 3-4-3
GOALKEEPER
KEVIN TRAPP 9
Considered by many in Germany to be an outside contender to replace Manuel Neuer in goals for the national team when the towering Bayern Muich keeper hangs up his gloves after the next Euros, Kevin Trapp is one of the best keepers in the Bundesliga and is a specifically excellent shot-stopper. His heroics between the posts were crucial in the previous two rounds and seems to thrive in the big games.
DEFENDERS
TUTA 7
Having signed a new contract with the club on Tuesday, there’s no denying how delighted Frankfurt have been with Tuta’s development at the club and it’s easy to see why. Although the Brazilian can be a little clumsy in his tackles, his ability to dribble with the ball out of defence will be crucial to Frankfurt’s three-man defence.
ALMAMY TOURE 6
Likely tasked with being the stand-in for the injured Martin Hinteregger, Almamy Toure will have to have the game of his life if he is to adequately fill in for one of Frankfurt’s most important and experienced players. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old defender has a tendency to ball watch and get caught in possession. He’ll undoubtedly be the weak link in this Frankfurt defence.
EVAN NDICKA - 8
Another equally impressive young defender, Evan Ndicka has developed alongside the careful watch of Hinteregger into an exceptional defender, with a notable presence in the air at both ends of the pitch and is often then player tasked with sweeping up for other, care-free team mates in the team.
MIDIFLDERS
FILIP KOSTIC - 9
Undoubtedly Frankfurt’s most potent source of goals, Filip Kostic has a remarkable left foot that often does well enough to find teammates in the box without even bothering to beat the full-back first. The Serbian international has more crosses than any other player in the Europa League this season and will be who Frankfurt give the ball to first and foremost on the night.
KRISTIJAN JAKIC - 6
Frankfurt’s defensive, counter-attacking tactics tends to rely on a lot of running in the middle of the pitch and Kristijan Jakic will likely be tasked with being the man to put Ryan Jack & Co. under as much pressure as he can. He’s by no means a technical talent, but he’s proved to be a very useful player for Oliver Glasner’s side this season and could cause Rangers all sorts of problems in the middle of the pitch.
DJIBRIL SOW - 7
Alongside Jakic will be the more talented Djibril Sow, who is often seen as the linchpin of Frankfurt's midfield due to his fantastic ability to intercept the ball in the middle of the pitch and find some of the team’s more technically gifted players in the box. The Swiss international is also partial to a long shot and should be considered Frankfurt’s key man in the middle of the pitch.
ANSGAR KNAUFF - 7
Plucked from Borussia Dortmund’s youth teams to gain match experience on loan at Frankfurt this season, Ansgar Knauff has surprised both clubs with the speed of his progress over the past six months. The young German scored important goals against Barcelona and West Ham and has a remarkable amount of speed which will likely be put to good use to try and get the better of Borna Barisic on the night.
FORWARDS
JESPER LINDSTROM - 8
Although considered a doubt for the game, there’s every chance that Jesper Lindstrom will make a ‘remarkable recovery’ prior to kick off and start the match. That’s in no small part due to the Danish international developing into the perfect counter-attacking inside forward, with plenty of pace and an unrelenting desire to take on full-backs when he gets one on one with them.
DAICHI KAMADA - 9
If Kostic is Frankfurt’s main source of goals, Daichi Kamada is unquestionably his partner in crime. The Japanese international just oozes calmness on the ball and with nine goals and four assists for Frankfurt this season, he’s shown time and time again that when offered space in front of an opposing defence, he’s more than happy to start or finish moves for his side.
RAFAEL BORRE - 7
Signed as a direct replacement for Andre Silva in the summer, Rafael Borre hasn’t done a truly outstanding job of replacing the Portuguese talisman but he certainly hasn’t been poor either. No less than 11 goals and six assists points to a striker still coming to terms with the pace of European football but one that also possesses the inherent skills needed to stick the ball in the back of the net when called upon.
SUBSTITUTES
While Frankfurt undoubtedly have key players that have performed well for them this season, their great weakness is a lack of genuine depth in key areas. Back up forwards like Jens Petter Hauge or midfielders such as Ajdin Hrustic and Makoto Hasebe are decent squad players but are unlikely to offer a huge amount of inspiration from the bench. And due to the injury to Hinteregger, Glasner will already be playing his back-up defenders. This isn’t a team blessed with depth and hidden threats for Rangers to worry about if the game goes to extra time.
