Mainz vs. Hertha BSC preview: Schwarz makes his return
Mainz haven't lost to Hertha BSC in their last six meetings, as the capital club look to turn the tide and go a third straight game without a loss.
Mainz
After getting blown out by Hoffenheim last weekend, Mainz return home with a chance to temporarily sneak into the top three of the table with a win. Due to several regular starters unavailable for the contest, Mainz will again be forced to rely on Karim Onisiwo up front, who has three goals on the season.
It's a homecoming for several Hertha members as not only does Jean-Paul Boëtius return to his former club, but manager Sandro Schwarz will be coaching once again at the MEWA Arena. Mainz haven't scored more than two goals in a league game thus far, as somebody like Angelo Fulgini needs to step up and help Onisiwo.
Brighton-linked coach Bo Svensson stated that, "Hertha are a different animal to last season. They have lots of individual quality and pace in attack. They are set up differently now and there have been lots of changes."
Team News
Alexander Hack is suspended after his red card last weekend, while Marcus Ingvartsen remains out with a knee injury. Jonathan Burkardt is unlikely to feature as well.
Hertha BSC
Hertha are still in disbelief they did not capture all three points against Leverkusen last weekend, but the club must be content without a loss in their last two games. Marco Richter is their story of the season with his unbelievable comeback after removing a cancerous tumor. The winger's wonder-goal on Matchday 6 won't be forgotten anytime soon:
⚠️ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐒𝐀 ⚠️
— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) September 13, 2022
Stop what you're doing and enjoy Marco Richter's goal from Saturday one more time 🍿#BSCB04 #HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/1KqDISgx1E
The capital club understand the importance of distancing themselves from the relegation zone as quickly as possible. They sit 15th and could really use some more help in front of goal from forwards Wilfried Kanga and Dodi Lukebakio.
Schwarz discussed that, "It is a special game for me; there is a lot of anticipation. Many familiar faces are still there. It was an emotional and formative time for me. However, it is important that we play our game on Friday."
Team News
Linus Gechter and Kelian Nsona will not be available on Friday night.