FSV Mainz eager to end two-game winless run in trip to Freiburg.

2024-10-28

In a clash of form and strategy, Freiburg host Mainz at the Europa-Park Stadion on November 3rd, with the home side seeking to extend their unbeaten run against Mainz, while the visitors aim to continue their road resilience.

SC Freiburg

Freiburg progressed into the DFB-Pokal round of 16 with a 2-1 win over second-division side Hamburger SV on Wednesday. However, Julian Schuster's men saw their two-match winning streak in the Bundesliga end after losing 3-1 against high-flying Leipzig last Saturday.

Despite having a first-half lead courtesy of Ritsu Doan, the Breisgau Brazilians could not contain Leipzig in the second half, as they conceded three goals. “Today, it was important to me to see courage and belief in our own ability, and I absolutely saw that, so I’m somewhat pleased,” Julian Schuster praised his team's performance despite the loss.

Freiburg slipped to 5th place following the defeat, having picked up 15 points. Next in line for Freiburg is a home clash with Mainz in what will be their 49th meeting across all competitions and 31st in the league. The hosts are currently unbeaten in each of the last six league meetings between both sides, the longest run by any team in this fixture in the league.

The Breisgau Brazilians have enjoyed success at home in recent games, winning three of their four home league games under new manager Schuster, more than they managed across the last 13 home matches under former head coach Christian Streich. Speaking ahead of Sunday's game, Schuster said: "We'll definitely be up against a team who will do everything they can to make life as difficult as possible for us and simply defend as a collective, a unit.”

A 4-2-3-1 formation with Junior Adamu in attack is expected from the hosts.

FSV Mainz 05

Mainz's quest for a giant-killing act failed to bear fruit, as they suffered a 4-0 defeat at home against Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal's second round. The 05ers have not won in their last two Bundesliga matches, the latest being a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach last Friday.

Bo Henriksen will be frustrated after witnessing his team surrender their lead just two minutes after going ahead. Mainz are experiencing a mixed season, currently positioned 13th with nine points after eight matches, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

The 05ers enter Sunday's clash aiming to extend their seven-match unbeaten away streak. Henriksen's side has secured seven of their total points on the road this season, scoring at least three goals in each of their last four away games, marking a club record.

A 3—4—2—1 formation is anticipated, with Armindo Sieb leading the attack in the absence of first-choice striker Jonathan Burkardt, who is sidelined due to a muscle injury.