FSV Mainz 05 – Union Berlin
Our Mainz – Union Berlin betting tip is: Less than 2.5 goals – 1.65 odds
- The teams will not take any risks yet and will play defensively for the time being
- Both teams scored just one goal in 90 minutes in last week’s cup tie
- This bet went for the teams in the 1st competitive game
The long wait is over. While the Bundesliga 2 and Bundesliga 3 have already been in action for a few weeks, the ball is now rolling again in the German top flight. After the champions traditionally open the season on Friday evening, there are five games in the packed Saturday Bundesliga conference. Among others, FSV Mainz 05 will face Union Berlin.
Both will have set their sights high for the new season and want to make up for last season as quickly as possible. Mainz managed to turn the corner with a strong final spurt, while Union had to tremble until the last minute. The focus is now on the new season, in which both want to perform much better. A three-pointer in the opening game would be just what they need.
Find out who has the better cards in this game and which bets are worthwhile for you in our Mainz – Union Berlin betting tip. Let us know in the comments who you think will come out on top. For more free predictions and analysis, check out our betting tips and don’t miss any of our expert articles on all major competitions.
Mainz – Union Berlin info
- Date & Time: 24.08.2024, 3:30 pm
- Playing venue: MEWA Arena, Mainz
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 1
- TV broadcast/livestream: Sky
Mainz Form & Balance Check
Mainz achieved an impressive turnaround under coach Bo Henriksen at the end of the season, remaining unbeaten in their last nine league games. The coach’s playing identity should be further developed in the new season to avoid being stuck at the bottom for the majority of the season.
Preparation went well. FSV picked up three wins from four friendlies and also won their first competitive match in the DFB Cup last weekend against third-division side Wehen Wiesbaden, albeit only after extra time. Union will now be the first real endurance test at the start of the season in the Mewa Arena
New clean-up man found
During the summer break, Mainz had to let midfielder Leandro Barreiro leave on a free transfer. The Luxembourger, who played particularly well towards the end of the season, moved to Benfica Lisbon. The 05ers brought in the Japanese Kaishu Sano as his successor. A transfer that is not without risk, as Sano comes from the Japanese league and has yet to show that he can play at Bundesliga level.
However, coach Henriksen is counting on the 23-year-old, who has started both matches since his arrival and played the full 120 minutes in the cup tie against Wiesbaden. First impressions are more than positive and Sano seems to have what it takes to be a real clearer in front of the defense
Mainz facts & analysis
- Last game won
- Successful in three of the four preparation matches
- Last win against Union Berlin was over three years ago
Union Berlin Form & Balance Check
After a horror season, a completely new chapter begins in Berlin. The club reorganized itself in the summer and is going into the upcoming season with a lot of energy. First and foremost is the new coach, because with ex-Mainzer Bo Svensson, the Berliners want to leave the chaos of last season behind them and establish a clear playing idea.
Although the first competitive match under the new coach did not go perfectly, the Köpenickers narrowly but deservedly defeated FC Greifswald 1:0 to advance to the next round of the DFB Cup
lack of effectiveness
One of Union’s weaknesses was more than apparent in the cup match. There is a lack of effectiveness in attack, because only one goal despite 15 shots on goal, 127 attacks and 14 corners taken is simply not enough against a regional league team. This raises the question of whether too little attention was perhaps paid to the attack during the summer transfer window.
With new signings such as Leopold Querfeld and László Bénes, the defense and midfield have been upgraded, but in attack, hopes will continue to rest on Kevin Volland, who is currently still injured. In the cup, Jordan Siebatcheu, who returned from a loan spell at Gladbach, was in the starting eleven but was not really convincing at the Foals, scoring just five goals in 25 appearances. Perhaps the Berliners will make another move before the transfer deadline
Union Berlin facts & analysis
- Last game won
- Won two wins from five games in preparation
- Nine goals conceded in the last three tests
Mainzer play in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The defensive line of Dominik Kohr, Maxim Leitsch and Andreas Hanche-Olsen did a good job in the cup match. The central line around Sano and Nadiem Amiri also worked well. Jonathan Burkhardt remains the lone striker. Options from the bench are Karim Onisiwo and Paul Nebel.
Berlin also operate in a 3-4-2-1 system. New central defender Querfeld put in a strong performance in his first competitive match and underlined his ambitions to become a regular. In front of him are veteran Rani Khedira and Andras Schäfer. Siebatcheu continues to deputize for the injured Volland
Mainz – Union Berlin head-to-head & stats
16 matches have been played between Mainz and Union Berlin in history. Ten of them took place in the German top flight, while six matches were played in the Bundesliga 2. The direct comparison goes to the Berliners with 7:5 victories. Last season there was a 1:1 draw and a 4:1 thumping victory for Union. The 05ers’ last win came in the 2020/21 season, with the very first meeting taking place in 2001. The time league match at the time ended with a 1-0 win for Mainz.
Direct comparison (H2H)
