Sunday's Bundesliga clash between Mainz and Werder Bremen is shaping up to be a pivotal match for both sides. Neither team has managed to win a fixture since the start of the season and this match is crucial for building momentum.
Both are sitting near the relegation zone with two draws in two games each. However, Mainz showed flashes of brilliance in attack, which makes it more likely that we will see goals in this match. A high-scoring clash is highly plausible, which has been a common case between these two sides in recent years.
Mainz's two draws also boosted their unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga to 11 games in a row. This is their best achievement since 2010 but it also features six draws. Curiously, their last home defeat came in February when they faced this exact opponent.
Werder Bremen proved that they can be clinical when given an opportunity but the team lacks the creativity to be considered a real danger. Only a couple of other sides have attempted fewer shots and their attack has created the second-fewest dangerous chances.
How the bookies view it: Home advantage
Bookmakers have priced the game fairly evenly, although Mainz still have a considerable advantage as favourites. You can bet on the home win at 1/1 at Betfred, while Werder's chances have been estimated to be 5/2. The draw is currently priced at 13/5.
Recent head to head: Evenly matched
Historically, Mainz and Werder Bremen have been fairly evenly matched in their encounters. Both sides have had short periods of dominance but there has never been a long-lasting trend. Both teams won two of the last five H2Hs while one ended in a draw. However, Werder Bremen won the two encounters last season with a combined 5:0 goal difference.
Players to watch: Take a look at Mainz's midfield
Nadiem Amiri and Dominik Kohr are our two standouts from Mainz's squad. Amiri scored one goal in each fixture since the start of the season while Kohr is the team's most booked player. Make sure to track his performance live as he could be a good pick for a booking in real time.
Coach Bo Henriksen will have his full squad available for this fixture. The only player on the injury report is Andreas Hanche-Olsen with a neck problem. Werder Bremen have listed several players as questionable/doubtful and the predicted line-ups below have taken these news into consideration.
Mainz: Zentner, Leitsch, Jenz, Kohr, Sano, Caci, Amiri, Mwene, Onisiwo, Jae-Sung, Burkardt
Werder Bremen: Zetterer, Stark, Friedl, Jung, Weiser, Schmid, Lynen, Stage, Agu, Ducksch, Njinmah
Anything else catch the eye?
Both sides sit unbeaten in their last few Bundesliga games. Mainz haven't lost in 11 in a row while Werder are on their seventh. Expectations are for a close encounter, although Mainz have displayed more promising football since the start of the season.
We expect goals from both teams and a narrow win for the home side, who have not lost three in a row to this opponent since 2005-2010, which saw Werder win six H2Hs. You can bet on either goal market but the combined option holds considerable value. Consider the BTTS + Over 2.5 market if it is available with your bookmaker.
This German Bundesliga match between Mainz 05 and Werder Bremen will be played on Sep 15, 2024 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Mainz 05 vs Werder Bremen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
