Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 German Bundesliga
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THE FACTS
When is Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz on and what time does it start? Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz will take place on Saturday 27th May, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz
Where can I stream Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz can be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Going into round 33 of the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund were the outsiders to win the Bundesliga and end Bayern Munich’s ten-season dominance of the competition. However, the Bavarians fell to a shock 1-3 defeat at home to RB Leipzig last Saturday, which has put the fate of this season’s Bundesliga title in the hands of Edin Terzic’s side. Although they made hard work of ten-man Augsburg the following day, the floodgates finally opened in the second half with a brace from Sebastien Haller backed up by Julian Brandt’s goal in stoppage time, giving Dortmund a 0-3 win. That victory took them top of the table, which is where they sit going into this final round of games.
For Terzic and his men, the equation is simple. Victory here over Mainz and they will lift the Bundesliga for the first time since 2011-12 under Jurgen Klopp. Whilst their home form across the campaign has been excellent and they come into this match having won 14 of their last 15 league fixtures on their own patch, nothing is a given with the pressure on knowing what’s at stake. Key to Dortmund’s potential success will surely be their incredible firepower going forward, which has seen them rack up a whopping 22 goals across their last six games in the Bundesliga.
MAINZ
Mainz are ending the season with a whimper as it stands, although this is perhaps understandable when considering how little have to play for with European football now beyond them. They travel to Dortmund having lost each of their last four league games, with the defence in particular struggling to contain the opposition. Over the course of those four matches, Mainz have conceded 13 goals, shipping at least three goals in each of the four fixtures. Against a side with the offensive potency of BVB, this does not bode well for their prospects in this Mainz’s final game of the campaign.
Most recently, Mainz were stunned by relegation battlers Stuttgart after looking at one stage like they were set to end their home campaign with victory. Mainz took the lead through Marcus Ingvartsen, but that was as good as it got for the hosts. Wataru Endo equalised for Stuttgart before half time, before taking charge in the second half. Three goals without reply saw the visitors run out 1-4 winners, giving their survival prospects a huge boost, whilst extending Mainz’s losing run in the process.
THE TEAM NEWS
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Borussia Dortmund are sweating on the fitness of star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who missed his side’s win over Augsburg last weekend. The England international returned to training midway through the week and as it stands is touch and go to feature here. But when taking into account what is at stake, it would be a surprise not to see him in the starting line-up. Full back Thomas Meunier and forward Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are out through adductor and shoulder injuries respectively.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Kobel; Wolf, Sule, Hummels, Ryerson; Brandt, Can, Bellingham; Malen, Haller, Adeyemi
UNAVAILABLE: Bynoe-Gittens (Injured), Meunier (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Bellingham (Fitness)
MAINZ
Mainz could well look to match Borussia Dortmund with a 3-4-3 formation of their own. Expect defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen to return to the side following his suspension, whilst Ludovic Ajorque sits out with a suspension of his own. Elsewhere, the trio of Jonathan Burkardt, Alexander Hack and Silvan Widmer are all injured and won’t feature in this one.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Zentner; Hanche-Olsen, Bell, Fernandes; Da Costa, Barreiro, Kohr, Caci; Stach, Onisiwo, Ingvartsen
UNAVAILABLE: Ajorque (Suspension), Burkardt (Injured), Hack (Injured), Widmer (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Zentner (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
When you compare the attacking class and cutting edge of Borussia Dortmund with the defensive instability of Mainz, it’s hard not to see the hosts carving open their opponents repeatedly. Whilst they may fell a bit of pressure the longer the deadline remains unbroken, the quality of Dortmund will surely tell against a team low on form and confidence. Expect victory for Borussia Dortmund by at least two clear goals, enough to see them crowned Bundesliga champions, finally ending Bayern Munich’s vice-like grip on the title.
TIP: BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
