Mainz vs RB Leipzig preview: Visitors look to claim top spot
Mainz
Mainz have accumulated eight points from their six Bundesliga matches this season, leaving them in 10th place, though their league position could be better had their home form been stronger.
The performances of Die Nullfünfer at the MEWA Arena have been disappointing, with their tally sole home point only better than that of newcomers Holstein Kiel, who remain without a point.
In contrast, Bo Henriksen's side have excelled on the road, securing seven points from a possible nine, with only Bayern München (10 points from four away games) performing better.
After back-to-back home defeats to Werder Bremen and Heidenheim, Mainz are eager to avoid a third consecutive loss on home soil. This recent poor home form stands in stark contrast to their impressive 2024 run between January and May, when they suffered just one defeat in 10 home matches, claiming five wins and four draws. They will be hoping to rediscover that resilience when they face Leipzig.
Team News
Bo Henriksen will be without Dominik Kohr this weekend after the defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season before the international break against St. Pauli, earning a one-match suspension.
The fitness of striker Karim Onisiwo is also a huge concern, with the forward facing a massive race against time in his recovery from a thigh injury.
RB Leipzig
Marco Rose's RB Leipzig have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, remaining unbeaten through their first six matches ahead of Saturday's clash in Mainz.
A solid defensive foundation has helped Die Roten Bullen build their recent success, with Leipzig conceding the fewest in the Bundesliga (2).
Notably, those two goals came in their standout win of the season against Bayer Leverkusen, where Leipzig mounted a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to triumph 3-2, ending the champion's 35-match unbeaten streak.
Following that dramatic victory, Leipzig played out consecutive goalless draws against Union Berlin and newly promoted St. Pauli, but they bounced back with comfortable wins over Augsburg (4-0) and Heidenheim (1-0). This ongoing six-game unbeaten run has extended Leipzig's overall unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga to 17 matches, dating back to last season.
Heading into the weekend, Leipzig are strong favourites to stretch their unbeaten run. However, Rose's men will need to guard against complacency as they look to maintain their high standards in a game where they are heavily favoured.
Team News
Midfielder Kevin Kampl remains a doubt as the Slovenian continues to recover from a groin injury that has left him sidelined since September.
David Raum, Assan Ouedraogo and Xaver Schlager will also all miss the clash after suffering ankle and knee injuries, respectively.
