Mainz 05 will host Freiburg in a extremely anticipated Bundesliga conflict on Saturday, with each groups in spectacular kind and pushing for a top-four end. Mainz at the moment occupy third place with 44 factors, whereas Freiburg sit simply three factors behind in fifth, making this fixture essential for his or her Champions League ambitions.
Bo Henriksen’s Mainz facet are experiencing their best-ever Bundesliga marketing campaign, having gone 5 matches unbeaten, together with 4 consecutive victories. Their newest triumph got here in a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, with key ahead Jae-Sung Lee enjoying a pivotal position, supported by the creativity of Paul Nebel and the defensive solidity of Moritz Jenz.
Mainz’s defensive resilience has been key to their success, with the workforce retaining clear sheets in 5 of their final seven residence matches. Nevertheless, they are going to be with out veteran defender Stefan Bell on account of a hamstring damage, whereas striker Jonathan Burkardt is uncertain after limping off towards Monchengladbach. Nelson Weiper is predicted to step in to steer the assault.
Alternatively, Freiburg arrive in Mainz on a six-match unbeaten run, which incorporates 4 victories and two attracts. Their defensive energy has been distinctive, with goalkeeper Noah Atubolu and center-back Matthias Ginter anchoring a backline that has saved six consecutive clear sheets, setting a brand new membership file.
Julian Schuster’s facet held RB Leipzig to a 0-0 draw final weekend and can purpose to increase their dominance over Mainz, having gone unbeaten of their final seven Bundesliga conferences. Key attacker Vincenzo Grifo, who might return to the beginning lineup, will probably be essential in creating probabilities for ahead Chukwubuike Adamu.
Freiburg will probably be with out key winger Florent Muslija on account of an ankle damage, whereas Daniel-Kofi Kyereh stays sidelined with a knee situation. Lucas Hoeler is predicted to play a deeper position in midfield, whereas Roland Sallai and Ritsu Doan will present assist from the flanks.
Given the historical past between the 2 golf equipment, with 5 of their final seven encounters ending in attracts, a 1-1 stalemate seems the almost definitely consequence. Key gamers like Jae-Sung Lee and Vincenzo Grifo will play important roles in deciding which workforce can acquire the higher hand within the battle for a top-four end.
With each groups in high kind and defensively strong, this conflict is predicted to be a tightly contested affair. Mainz’s sturdy residence file and Freiburg’s current defensive stability counsel a low-scoring encounter, with each side prone to cancel one another out.
