Bundesliga groups Mainz 05 and Union Berlin face off at MEWA Area on Wednesday evening, each aiming for a win to assist their struggle to remain up.
Each groups misplaced their final matches, leaving Mainz simply above the underside crew Darmstadt by objective distinction, and Union solely six factors forward.
Match preview
Mainz hasn’t received in 9 matches, with their final victory coming towards RB Leipzig in November beneath new head coach Jan Siewert.
After shedding 1-0 twice in a row – as soon as to Eintracht Frankfurt after which to Werder Bremen at dwelling – Mainz’s 15-year presence within the Bundesliga is in danger as they sit seventeenth.
With Mainz six factors from security and 4 factors from the relegation playoff spot, their followers are understandably nervous, particularly after seeing their crew battle so typically.
At dwelling, Mainz has solely gained 5 factors and scored the least variety of objectives (six), making the upcoming match essential for enhancing their poor dwelling file.
This recreation, rescheduled because of earlier icy circumstances, additionally provides Mainz an opportunity to avenge their 4-1 loss in August’s match towards Union Berlin, which hinted at a difficult season.
Union Berlin has a robust file towards Mainz, with just one loss of their final 10 video games and victories in 4 of the final 5 league matches.
Given Mainz’s troubles, Union, beneath new coach Nenad Bjelica, may purpose for a season sweep, particularly after stabilizing their efficiency since late November.
Since changing widespread coach Urs Fischer, Union has misplaced solely two Bundesliga video games, displaying a marked enchancment from their earlier kind.
Regardless of being simply above the relegation playoff spot, Union’s efficiency this season, particularly on the highway, has been weaker than in previous years.
Group Information
Jan Siewert received’t have Lee Jae-sung, who’s on the Asian Cup with South Korea. Brajan Gruda and Nelson Weiper are additionally out because of accidents.
Stefan Bell is recovering from a critical bacterial an infection and received’t play for some time.
Mainz has strengthened their crew by signing Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen, who is anticipated to begin once more on Wednesday.
Union will miss Josip Juranovic, however Frederik Ronnow, Alex Kral, and Diogo Leite may return after recovering from sickness.
With Christopher Trimmel suspended, Brenden Aaronson is more likely to step in on the correct facet.
Yorbe Vertessen, who joined from PSV, performed upfront final recreation, however Kevin Volland may return to the beginning lineup.
Mainz 05 doable beginning lineup:
Zentner;
Widmer, Van den Berg, Caci, Mwene;
Krauss, Barreiro;
Burkardt, Amiri, Onisiwo;
Ajorque
Union Berlin doable beginning lineup:
Schwolow;
Knoche, Vogt, Doekhi;
Khedira;
Aaronson, Schafer, Tousart, Gosens;
Volland, Hollerbach
Prediction: Mainz 05 0-1 Union Berlin
With each groups struggling to attain, this match is anticipated to be tight. Mainz is beneath strain to carry out at dwelling, whereas Union reveals indicators of progress and has a stronger assault.