Mainz vs. Union Berlin preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Mainz 05
In a clash between two Danish coaches, Bo Henriksen and Bo SVensson, Mainz and Union Berlin kick off their Bundesliga campaigns at the MEWA Arena on Saturday.
Henriksen saved Mainz from relegation last season and led them to a remarkable finish to the campaign after replacing Jan Siewert.
Mainz's start to the 2024/25 campaign wasn't quite as convincing, however, as they needed extra time to beat third-tier side Wehen Wiesbaden 3-1 in the DFB-Pokal.
They last met Union in February when Siewert was in charge, drawing 1-1 at home.
Team News
Mainz recently sold promising youngster Brajan Gruda to Brighton & Hove Albion and are likely to bring in a replacement before the close of the transfer window.
They've also said goodbye to Leandro Barreiro, who has joined Benfica on a free transfer, while Sepp van den Berg has left the club after a loan spell.
Their most notable new arrivals are Kaishu Sano, who's in line to start alongside Nadiem Amiri in central midfield, and Armando Sieb, who could start in attacking midfield after joining from Bayern Munich.
Henriksen should have a full squad to choose from for Saturday's game.
Union Berlin
Union will be looking to bounce back from a hugely disappointing 2023/24 campaign, with former Mainz coach Bo Svensson having replaced Nenad Bjelica as head coach over the summer.
Saturday's game will certainly be special from Svensson's perspective, as he has a successful history with Mainz. In fact, he started last season as Mainz coach, but left the club in November after watching his side fall into a slump.
“I'm going back to a place where I spent a very, very long time as a player and also as a coach afterwards. I worked there in many, many roles, assistant coach, youth coach and so on,” said Svensson on facing his former club.
"It's a special place for me. My youngest son was born there. I'm looking forward to seeing, meeting and greeting lots of good old, familiar faces."
Like Mainz, Union also progressed in the DFB-Pokal without impressing, beating Regionalliga side Greifswald by a single goal.
Team News
On the transfer front, Union have seen the likes of Aissa Laidouni, Robin Knoche and Alex Kral leave the club, while notable arrivals include Tom Rothe, Laszlo Benes and Leopold Querfeld.
Juranović (operation), Stein (operation), Volland (knee) are all sidelined for Union, while Leite (knock) is doubtful.
Click here to see our predicted Mainz vs. Union Berlin lineups.