FSV Mainz – RB Leipzig
During the week, the 2nd round of the DFB Cup was on the agenda and had a few surprises up its sleeve. The Bundesliga continues at the weekend with matchday 10 on the schedule. Five games await us again in the conference. Among others, the Nullfünfer will be looking to finally celebrate their first win of the season. You can find out whether the visitors from Saxony will be able to prevent this at the MEWA Arena in our Mainz – Leipzig betting tip.
However, the cup week did not go as planned for the visitors from the largest city in Saxony. The reigning cup winners lost 1-0 to VfL Wolfsburg, while FSV also suffered another setback when Mainz lost 3-0 at second-division side Hertha BSC without a chance.
In the league, however, the clash is a duel of opposites. RasenBallsport have not lost since their opening game against Leverkusen and also won 6-0 against 1. FC Köln on Saturday. Mainz, on the other hand, were held to a 2-2 draw in Bochum and are still waiting for their first three-pointer of the season
Mainz – Leipzig Info:
- Date & Time: 04.11.2023, 3:30 pm
- Playing venue: MEWA Arena, Mainz
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 10
- TV broadcast: Sky
Mainz Form & Balance Check
Mainz have settled in the top half of the Bundesliga table in recent years under coach Bo Svensson. In terms of play, however, there was not much development to be seen from the Nullfünfer. This seems to be taking its revenge this season.
Mainz 05 are still waiting for their first win of the season in the Bundesliga. In the previous week, FSV fought their way to a late point against VfL Bochum, which was certainly fortunate from the Nullfünfer’s point of view. Mainz then had to travel to Berlin in the DFB Cup on Wednesday, where they also lost 3-0.
Mainzer lack of ideas
As already mentioned, Mainz’s playing philosophy has not changed much in recent years. Bo Svensson’s main focus is on his team’s strength in tackles and headers. Consequently, the Nullfünfer finished second in the Bundesliga in these two parameters in the previous season. This season, FSV have even gone one better on paper.
With 964 tackles won and 269 headers won, Mainz are top of the Bundesliga. However, Mainz ran out of ideas in the final third at the latest. This is also reflected in the fact that Mainz have by far the worst xG value in the German top flight with an xG value of just 9.29.
Mainz facts & analysis
- In 18th place in the Bundesliga table
- Played 2:2 against Bochum in the previous week
- Still without a win this season
Leipzig Form & Balance Check
This season, Leipzig recognize their opportunity to achieve great things in the Bundesliga. After finishing third in the previous season, the Saxons now have their sights set on the top of the table. However, RB suffered a 2:3 defeat against the strong Leverkusen side at the start of the season.
Since then, however, coach Marco Rose’s team has not conceded a defeat in the league. Moreover, RB Leipzig’s play is improving from week to week. The team from the trade fair city have picked up a strong 20 points in their last eight games. Last weekend, RB Leipzig defeated 1. FC Köln 6:0 and are now in fifth place in the table
Xavi Simons strikes
Xavi Simons first came to the public’s attention when he shone with his outstanding technical skills at a very young age in the youth ranks of FC Barcelona. In 2019, the then 16-year-old Dutchman then moved to PSG’s youth team in Ligue 1. However, the attacker never really made his mark with the Parisians.
Simons then celebrated his breakthrough the previous year during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. However, the 20-year-old has already fully arrived in Leipzig. The Dutchman has already scored three goals in his first Bundesliga games. Simons is also the best assist provider in the entire Bundesliga with six assists
Leipzig facts & analysis
- Won 6:0 against Cologne in the previous week
- In 5th place in the league
- Out of the DFB Cup in Wolfsburg on Tuesday
Predicted line-up – last update on November 4, 2023
Mainz 05 will once again start with a 3-4-2-1 after Bo Svensson unsuccessfully tried out a back four on Wednesday. Youngster Brajan Gruda will operate behind the front line together with Jae-sung Lee. Aymen Barkok has already made some good substitute appearances this season and could start from the beginning on Saturday.
RB played with a back three against 1. FC Köln. In Mainz, however, we expect coach Marco Rose’s team to return to their usual 4-2-2-2 formation. Despite being sent off in the cup, Yussuf Poulsen is eligible to play in the league. Nevertheless, we expect the Dane to start on the bench
Mainz – Leipzig head-to-head comparison & stats
Mainz have won just four of their 14 encounters with RB Leipzig, while the Saxons have won seven. However, three of FSV’s victories have come in the last five meetings. Mainz even won the last clash in Leipzig 3-0
- Leipzig’s last Bundesliga win in Mainz was on 24/05/2020
- The two teams are separated by 17 points in the league
- Mainz are still waiting for their first win of the season
