Mainz vs FC Cologne Preview: Team News & Prediction
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2. Bundesliga champions FC Cologne begin life back in the German top flight against Mainz, who are coming off the back of a historic season that saw them secure European football.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime Video / US – ESPN+
Mainz preview: Building on 24-25
At one stage last season, Mainz fans were dreaming about the potential of Champions League football at MEWA Arena, having been inside the top four as late as March. However, a late drop off saw them fade away but didn’t cost them their European dream, with Bo Henriksen’s side qualifying for the UEFA Conference League with a sixth-place finish.
Repeating such a feat will of course be a hugely tall order for Mainz when taking into account their club size, not to mention the competition they face. But with their European campaign already underway, Mainz come into this particular match with their players already locked in when it comes to competitive action.
FC Cologne preview: Immediate bounce back
After the heartbreak of relegation in 2023-24, FC Cologne dusted themselves down and responded in the best possible way, by bouncing back at the first time of asking and winning a hugely competitive 2. Bundesliga ahead of the likes of Hamburg and SV Elversberg, securing a return to the top tier at the first time of asking.
Not for Cologne, the task is to re-establish themselves in the Bundesliga and ensure they do not face a repeat of last season. They began the season strongly by advancing through to the next round of the DFB-Pokal, beating Jahn Regensburg by two goals to one.
Mainz team news: Hanche-Olsen over Kohr
The big question from a Mainz point of view likely surrounds the backline and who will start in the three-pronged central defence with Andreas Hanche-Olsen potentially being preferred over Dominik Kohr. Dal misses out through injury.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Zentner, Hanche-Olsen, Bell, Da Costa; Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Hollerbach, Lee
Unavailable: Dal (Injured)
Questionable:
FC Cologne team news: Kaminski to start
New signing from Wolfsburg Jakub Kaminski is expected to make his debut for FC Cologne away at Mainz, whilst head coach Lukas Kwasniok should have a full-strength squad to choose from for the game.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Schwabe; Schmied, Hubers, Lund; Sebulonsen, Martel, Johannesson, Maina; Thielmann, Waldschmidt Kaminski
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Mainz vs FC Cologne prediction
With Mainz coming off the back of a long trip to Norway this past Thursday night to play Rosenborg, where they wound up losing due to a 90th minute winner from the hosts, fatigue could prove to be a concern for Henriksen. Especially when facing a fired-out newly promoted side, who are always extremely tough to face early on as they look to ride the momentum gained from the season before.
It would be no surprise to see FC Cologne start the stronger and really impose themselves upon Mainz. When taking into account the Mainz will have one eye on their second leg against Rosenborg, there’s real value in backing Cologne to come out of this one with at least a point, if not all three via the double chance market.
Mainz vs FC Cologne tip: Double chance - draw/FC Cologne
