FSV Mainz – Eintracht Frankfurt
The Bundesliga goes into the 2nd matchday this weekend. Already on Friday and Saturday we expect a total of seven exciting games. On Sunday, German soccer fans can look forward to two local duels. The first will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the MEWA Arena in Mainz. Whether the SGE will continue to glide along the winning road in Rhineland-Palatinate, you can find out in our Mainz – Frankfurt tip.
For the duel with FSV, Eintracht has to travel to another state. Nevertheless, the duel with the Nullfünfer is a real derby. After all, only 31 kilometers lie between the two stadiums. Most recently, however, Mainz did not have much to smile about against Frankfurt, as the Nullfünfer did not win any of their last six games against the SGE. Coach Bo Svensson is even still waiting for the first treble against the local rival.
However, the form from the opening matchday does not necessarily speak for Mainz. The Nullfünfer had to face Champions League contender Union Berlin and lost 4-1, a somewhat unfortunate result. Eintracht Frankfurt kicked off the season with a derby against promoted Darmstadt 98 in the state of Hesse. In a close game, the SGE ultimately retained the upper hand and started the new Bundesliga season with a 1-0 win.
Mainz – Frankfurt info:
- Date & Time: 08/27/2023, 15:30 hrs.
- Game venue: MEWA Arena, Mainz
- Competition: Bundesliga, 2nd Matchday
- TV broadcast: DAZN
Mainz form & balance check
Mainz 05 advanced to the surprise team in the past Rückrunde. After finishing the first half of the season in twelfth place, FSV proved to be almost unstoppable. At times, the zero-fivers even managed to go ten consecutive games without defeat. In the end, the performance flattened out again somewhat and Mainz finished the season in ninth place.
In the current season, coach Bo Svensson is again striving to make his team extremely unpleasant to play against. In the first competitive match of the season, FSV struggled in the cup against second division promoted Elversberg, but ultimately won 1-0. In last week’s Bundesliga opener against Union Berlin, however, the Nullfünfer were defeated 1:4.
Hole defense
Mainz 05 was on the verge of relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga when Bo Svensson took over. But the Dane breathed new life into the Nullfünfern and saved FSV from relegation. The fundamental virtues of Mainz were always fighting spirit and a solid defense.
However, these virtues have been lacking for FSV in recent games. In the last six Bundesliga games over two seasons, Mainz conceded 19 goals and picked up just one point. FSV secured that one point on the 34th matchday of the 2022/23 season in Dortmund, of all places, which ultimately helped Bayern to the championship.
Mainz facts & analysis
- Last season in 9th place in the Bundesliga table.
- Lost 1:4 against Union Berlin the previous week
- Good preparation played
Frankfurt form & balance check
Up until the winter break of the preseason, Eintracht played itself into a small frenzy and mixed at the top of the table. In the second half of the season, however, coach Oliver Glasner’s team fell into a crisis of form and at one point even threatened to drop out of the European places completely. In the end, however, the SGE secured seventh place and can now compete in the Conference League this season.
And to qualify for this competition, Eintracht traveled to Sofia on Thursday. There, however, the Eagles did not get beyond in 1:1. In the league, there was the Hesse derby against Darmstadt the Sunday before, which the SGE won 1-0 through hard work.
New three-man backline on the Main
Two key players in the central defense of recent years left the club in the summer. Almamy Touré ended his time at Eintracht after just over four years. Likewise, Evan N’Dicka left after five years. Nevertheless, the replacements for these central positions are quite respectable.
One new arrival is Willian Pacho from Royal Antwerp. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian shone with impressive performances last season and secured the Belgian championship. In addition, Robin Koch returned to the Bundesliga. Following Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League, the eight-time German international joined Eintracht on loan in the summer. In their first games, the pair made a solid impression.
Frankfurt facts & analysis
- First away win this season.
- Won 1:0 against Darmstadt the week before
- Placed 7th in Bundesliga last season
Predicted lineup – last update on August 26, 2023
Mainz will again rely on the proven tactics in the 3-4-2-1 system. In attack, Ajorque wants to build on his strong performances from the second half of the season. However, Mainz will have to do without Andreas Hanche-Olsen in central defense on Sunday, as well as captain Silvan Widmer, who is also out injured.
Eintracht Frankfurt will play in a 3-5-2 style, as they did against Darmstadt. However, the two eights will act a bit more offensively. Ellyes Skhiri will probably be the only six again. Striker Kolo Muani don’t expect to be in the starting eleven on Sunday.
Mainz – Frankfurt direct comparison & statistics
The two teams have crossed blades in 42 competitive matches so far. The SGE triumphed in 15 encounters, while the Nullfünfer have recorded ten victories so far. Their last meeting in Mainz resulted in a 1-1 draw. The scorers in that match were Jonathan Burkardt and Randal Kolo Muani.
- Mainz didn’t win any of last six games against Frankfurt.
- Mainz has failed to score in 3 of their 17 home games in Bundesliga pre-season
- The two teams were separated by four points in the preseason
