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Union Berlin vs. FSV Mainz
If someone had said to us about a year ago that Union Berlin vs. Mainz would be a top match in the Bundesliga, we probably would have declared them crazy. But that is the reality. The Eisernen from Berlin are still in ninth place after recent rather weak performances, whereas Mainz are in eighth thanks to three unbeaten games in a row. This coming Saturday at 3:30 p.m., this thrilling chasing duel will kick off at the Stadion an der alten Försterei. All further information about this clash can be found here in our Union – Mainz betting tips.
As already mentioned, Union is a bit out of sorts at the moment. Since the departure of Max Kruse to Wolfsburg, things have not been going well. In three games without the German playmaker, the Köpenicker have not been able to score a single goal. This is probably the worst time to face the best defence in the league. FSV Mainz 05 has the best defence, and the Palatinate team has been more than convincing lately. In duels with top teams like Hoffenheim and Leverkusen, they came off as winners. In addition, they drew 1-1 with SC Freiburg in Breisgau.
Union – Mainz Info
– Date & Time: 26.02.2022 at 15:30 hrs.
– Venue: Stadion an der alten Försterei, Berlin
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 24
– TV broadcast: Sky
Union Form & Balance Check
Union Berlin are in a mess at the moment. Since the departure of Max Kruse, nothing works anymore. Especially the offensive suffers a lot. Taiwo Awoniyi, who scored goals non-stop under the influence of Kruse, is a shadow of his former self. Other personnel like Geraldo Becker or Kevin Behrens cannot fill this gap either. But there is another new man in the lottery. Sven Michel is supposed to bring momentum back into the Köpenicker’s forward line. The former Paderborn player has already been in the first eleven in the last two games, but has not yet been able to make a decisive difference. But the motto “good things come to those who wait” has paid off many times. Maybe the knot will burst against Mainz.
Luck in misfortune
The current ninth place already suggests that things are no longer going so well for the Eisern. However, if we remember that they haven’t picked up a single point in three games, then it is surprising that they are still in ninth place. They owe that to a very strong first half of the season. It also shows the quality of Urs Fischer’s men, because with such a meagre points haul, many other teams have slipped into much worse situations.
Union Facts & Analysis
– Without points for three games
– Without goals for three games
– Still in ninth place
– Without a goal since Kruse left & Point
Mainz form & balance check
Mainz’s last few weeks have not been easy. First of all, the new year started with a crushing 4:1 defeat at RB Leipzig. This was followed by a 1-0 win against Bochum, but this was then overshadowed by a very bitter 2-1 defeat at bottom of the table Fürth. This embarrassing defeat apparently triggered something in the Mainz team. After that they were a different team. Against top team Hoffenheim, the Palatinate side won confidently 2:0, which was followed by a strong 1:1 in Freiburg and a contested 3:2 victory against Leverkusen. This showed that they have the potential to play at the top of the Bundesliga.
Pechvogel der Saison
There are currently a few contenders for this award in the Bundesliga. One of them is Jeremiah St. Juste from Mainz. The Dutchman started the season with a regular place in the defensive three-man backline, before a shoulder injury ended the first half of the season for him very early. When he made his comeback on matchday 19 and scored a goal, the euphoria was great. However, it fizzled out again very quickly, as he was out for a longer period of time after the Fürth defeat. According to the media, however, he will make his second comeback this season. Nevertheless, this has been a very used season for the arrow-quick centre-back, who is certain to miss out against Union.
Mainz facts & analysis
– Unbeaten for three games
– Last wins against Hoffenheim and Leverkusen
– Rank 15 in the away table
Predicted line-up – last update on 24 February 2022
There will be a bit of change at Union Berlin. Defender Robin Knoche returns to the pitch after serving his yellow ban. He will also move straight into the first eleven. Dominique Heintz, on the other hand, is still a question mark. He has been ailing lately. A replacement would be Paul Jäckel. In addition, the wings could be completely replaced. Gießelmann and captain Trimmel are probably the better choices than Ryerson and Oczipka.
Bo Svensson will not rotate much at Mainz. The eleven from the last games is performing well and there are neither suspended nor injured players. Only St. Juste and Dahmen are still out for the long term.
Union – Mainz direct comparison & statistics
Union Berlin only picked up more points in the Bundesliga against 1. FC Köln (13) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (11) than against 1. FSV Mainz 05 (10, 3S 1U 1N). In five competitive matches at home against FSV, the Eisernen have conceded only one defeat (2S 2U): with 0-2 in August 2002 in the 2. Liga. Union Berlin also lost all of their last three Bundesliga games, suffering as many defeats as in the previous 15 BL games combined (3). In addition, 1. FC Union Berlin recently went three games without scoring a goal for the first time in the Bundesliga, and no other team in the Bundesliga is currently waiting as long as the Berliners for a goal.
– Union very successful in Bundesliga against Mainz (3S 1U 1N)
– In a total of five home games only one defeat against Mainz
– Last three games without points
– Union waiting for a goal for three games
