Mainz 05 vs. Gladbach preview: Hosts targeting first home win
| Photo: Mainz 05 |
Mainz 05
Mainz are currently in 12th position after winning two, drawing two and losing three of their seven league games this season. Bo Henriksen’s side have fared well on their travels this season, having won two and drawn one of their three away matches in the Bundesliga. However, they have struggled to produce similar results at the Mewa Arena. They drew 1-1 in their opening home game against Union Berlin, before losing three consecutive home games, including a 2-0 defeat in Saturday’s clash with RB Leipzig.
As a result, Mainz are one of six teams still searching for their first home league win of the season. While they are struggling to produce their best form on home turf, Mainz may be able to take confidence from the fact they are unbeaten in seven matches against Gladbach (W3, D3). However, they have had to settle for draws in two of their last three head-to-head home meetings.
Team News
Bo Henriksen is unable to call upon Andreas Hanche-Olsen due to a toe injury, while Dominik Kohr and Nikolas Veratschnig are both doubts for Saturday’s contest.
Gladbach
Gladbach are sitting one point above Mainz in 11th position after winning three and losing four of their seven league matches this season. After losing three of their first four Bundesliga matches, Gladbach have gone on to win two of their last three league games. Die Fohlen claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Union Berlin, before they fell to a 2-1 away defeat against Augsburg. Gerardo Seoane’s side bounced back to record a 3-2 home win over Heidenheim thanks to a Ko Itakure effort and a Tim Kleindienst brace.
While they have won back-to-back home games, die Fohlen have failed to take anything from their last two away matches. In fact, Gladbach have struggled on the road for a considerable period, having won just two of their last 17 Bundesliga away matches (D5, L10). If they are to claim all three points on Friday, Gladbach will have to beat Mainz for the first time since October 2020.
Team News
The visitors are unable to call upon Jonas Omlin, Jan Olschowsky, Luca Netz, Yvandro Borges Sanches and Nathan Ngoumou. Meanwhile, Nico Elvedi is a doubt due to a hamstring problem.