Mainz 05 vs. Werder Bremen preview: Die Nullfünfer aiming to continue unbeaten run
Mainz 05 will look to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches when they play host to Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Mainz 05
Mainz extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a statement 3-0 win over RB Leipzig last weekend. Marcus Ingvartsen opened the scoring in the ninth minute, before Ludovic Ajorque and Dominik Kohr both found the net in the second half to wrap up a memorable away victory.
With one point separating them from the top six, Mainz are firmly in the hunt for European qualification with eight fixtures left to play.
Having dropped just two points in their last five home matches, die Nullfünfer will look to extend their unbeaten home run to six games on Saturday.
They will be confident of claiming a positive result, having fared well in recent games against Bremen. Mainz have won four out of the last five meetings between the two sdes, including the last two. They now have the chance to claim three straight wins over Bremen for the very first time.
Team News
Mainz have no fresh injury issues, although Jonathan Burkardt remains sidelined with a knee problem.
Werder Bremen
In contrast to their hosts, Bremen are currently in a poor run of form, having picked just one point from their last four matches. In their most recent outing, Ole Werner's side played out a goalless first half with Hoffenheim, but two quick goals from Andrej Kramarić and Christoph Baumgartner after the break left Bremen with a mountain to climb. Amos Pieper halved the deficit in the 76th minute, but ultimately, an equaliser proved elusive, ensuring die Werderaner fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat.
With nine points separating them from the bottom three, Bremen are in no immediate danger of being relegated. However, if they are to improve upon their recent poor results, they will need to improve defensively, having conceded two goals in each of their last four games. In total, Bremen have shipped 50 league goals this season - only Bochum have conceded more in the Bundesliga.
Having won just one of their last seven away matches, Bremen may have their work cut out to beat a Mainz side that are currently in impressive form.
Team News
The visitors will be without last weekend's goalscorer, with Pieper ruled out with an ankle issue. Meanwhile, long-term injury absentee Felix Agu remains sidelined.