Bundesliga | Gameweek 25

Mar 7, 2025 at 7.30pm UK

Stadion im BORUSSIA-PARK

Borussia M'bach vs Mainz 05

Match preview

The hosts, Borussia Monchengladbach, were rather fortunate to maintain a clean sheet against Heidenheim. They had to weather a storm of 12 shots from within the penalty area and were bailed out by the woodwork on one occasion. Adding to their luck, Patrick Mainka missed a golden opportunity from a set piece in the 54th minute that could have easily equalized the score.

Looking at Borussia Monchengladbach's recent record, they have managed to keep their opponents off the scoresheet only twice in their last 13 matches across all competitions. It's also worth highlighting that their expected goals conceded (xG) figure of 44.1 in the top flight is the second - worst among all clubs this season. This indicates that, statistically, they have been rather vulnerable defensively compared to their counterparts.

Head coach Gerardo Seoane witnessed his Borussia Monchengladbach side play out a 1 - 1 draw against Mainz on October 25 in the reverse fixture. This result extended their winless run against the visitors to eight games, with the last three meetings between the two clubs ending in draws.

Borussia Monchengladbach are approaching this game in fine fettle. They have won four out of their past six matches and suffered only one defeat during that span. However, their home form has been somewhat inconsistent. In their six most recent home games, they have two wins, two draws, and two losses.

Regarding Mainz, they overcame a first - minute setback against Leipzig and managed to secure all three points. Their strong second - half display, where they created two big chances while preventing Die Roten Bullen from getting any, deserves commendation. The Karnevalsverein (Mainz) had managed to keep clean sheets in their previous three matches. Their record of conceding 25 goals in the Bundesliga is surpassed only by league leaders Bayern Munich.

In the Bundesliga standings, just seven points separate 10th - placed Borussia Dortmund from third - placed Eintracht Frankfurt. Mainz boss Bo Henriksen is well aware that, with the race for Champions League spots being so closely contested, every point could prove to be of vital importance.

Henriksen's team has been in excellent form lately, winning their last three games with a cumulative score of 6 - 1. However, prior to this run, they had a rather patchy record, losing three, drawing one, and winning only one of their previous five games.

Mainz have been successful in their two most recent away fixtures. But before that, they endured a tough spell on the road, losing their previous three away games and scoring just one goal during that period.

Recent Performance

Borussia Monchengladbach Bundesliga form:WWDWLW

Mainz 05 Bundesliga form:WLDWWW

Team News

Borussia Monchengladbach will be hampered in their defensive selection as both Joseph Scally and Ko Itakura are suspended. Additionally, goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a groin injury.

For the hosts, the backline could potentially comprise Stefan Lainer, Marvin Friedrich, Nico Elvedi, and Lukas Ullrich, with Jonas Omlin between the posts.

Midfielder Rocco Reitz is unavailable, and his absence might lead to Philipp Sander and Julian Weigl starting in the midfield.

In attack, with Franck Honorat ruled out, Nathan N'Goumou, Alassane Plea, and Robin Hack are likely to support Tim Kleindienst.

On the other hand, Mainz's only definite injury casualty is centre - back Stefan Bell. Thus, Danny da Costa, Moritz Jenz, and Dominik Kohr are expected to line up in defence.

In midfield, Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri are almost assured to form a double pivot.

Striker Jonathan Burkardt will probably spearhead the attack, supported by Paul Nebel and Jae - sung Lee.

Possible starting lineup

Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:

Omlin; Lainer, Friedrich, Elvedi, Ullrich; Sander, Weigl; N'Goumou, Plea, Hack; Kleindienst

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Zentner; Da Costa, Jenz, Kohr; Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Burkardt