1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. SK Sigma Olomouc Europa Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
| Fabio Deinert/Getty Images |
Mainz look to qualify for the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League when they host Sigma Olomouc on Thursday. The first-leg between the two teams ended goalless with only three shots on target in total.
Urs Fischer's side continued their fight for Bundesliga survival with a commendable performance and win away at Werder Bremen on Sunday. The 05ers are now three points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
In their first European campaign since 2016/17, Mainz managed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time. It was also the first occasion in which a Bundeliga representative reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League.
Sigma came from two goals down to salvage a point against Karviná as they remain in fifth place with only four games left in the regular Chance Liga season. Including a late victory over Fiorentina, Mainz won each of their three home games in the league ohase.
Team News
Nadiem Amiri is still on the sidelines, while Silas’ season ended prematurely with yet another serious injury in last week's goalless draw. January signing Sheraldo Becker isn’t part of the Europa Conference League squad.
Guinean international Abdoulaye Sylla will be back to Sigma’s squad following suspension for accumulated yellow cards. Former Stuttgart striker Jan Kliment is the skipper of the side from Czechia.
Predicted Lineups
Mainz: Batz; Posch, Potulski, Kohr ©; da Costa, Sano, Lee, Nebel, Mwene; Tietz, Bøving
Sigma: Koutný; Sylla, Spacil, Sláma; Hadas, Beran, Baráth, Ghali; Sturm, Rusek; Kliment ©
