Mainz vs Paderborn Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Mainz are expected to be strong once again in the Bundesliga this season as they take on newly-promoted Paderborn at the MEWA Arena.
Kick-off date/time:
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Mainz preview: Improved Mainz
Having finished seventh and qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League in the Bundesliga, Mainz struggled badly at dealing with domestic and continental matters, eventually parting company with Bo Henriksen mid-way through the campaign.
Henriksen was replaced by former Union Berlin boss Urs Fischer. Mainz eventually finished tenth but were very impressive and that is expected to be the case again this time around as they challenge for the European spots.
Paderborn preview: Promoted Paderborn
Paderborn have returned to the Bundesliga for the first time in about half a decade or so. They finished third in the 2. Bundesliga but managed to overcome Wolfsburg after extra-time in the end of season Bundesliga/2. Bundesliga promotion/relegation play-off place.
The scorer of their winning goal in that play-off was midfielder Felix Bilbija but Paderborn have been dealt a blow by him opting to join Derby County in the Championship on a free transfer instead. They have been frugal in the market, too, and are expected to struggle.
Mainz team news: A few doubts
Mainz have a few doubts here as Eric Martel and Paul Nebel picked up injuries in pre-season, while Benedict Hollerbach works his way back from a longer-term injury.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Schwolow; Bell, Posch, Hanche-Olsen; Da Costa, Sano, Kawasaki, Mwene; Lee, Amiri; Silas
Unavailable:
Questionable: Martel (Injured), Nebel (Injured), Hollerbach (Fitness)
Paderborn team news: Quartet of absentees
Paderborn have four injury absentees for their trip to Mainz this weekend as defender Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is sidelined alongside Timur Gayret, Sven Michel and Sebastian Klaas.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Noll; Muller, Gotze, Scheller, Sticker; Duric, Castaneda; Obermair, Ulrich, Pieringer; Zeitler
Unavailable: Awortwie-Grant (Injured), Gayret (Injured), Klaas (Injured), Michel (Injured)
Questionable:
Mainz vs Paderborn prediction
It was a fairly major upset for Paderborn to beat Wolfsburg in the play-offs and it wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest that they are not very well prepared to play in the top-flight this season. Ralf Ketteman's side should be involved in a relegation battle throughout the campaign and this is a tough test on the opening day of the season as Mainz seek to make something of a statement in their probable pursuit of UEFA competition qualification on the opening day of the campaign.
Mainz vs Paderborn tip: Mainz to win
