Bundesliga | Gameweek 27

Mar 30, 2025 at 4.30pm UK

Signal-Iduna-Park

Dortmund vs Mainz

Match preview

The Black and Yellows somehow failed to find the back of the net against Leipzig despite creating six good chances and more than three xG, while Die Roten Bullen scored twice from four good chances and 1.87 xG. Niko Kovac's tenure has not gone according to plan, with four defeats in his six Bundesliga games in charge.

The hosts have scored just three goals in their last four matches and have failed to find the net in their last two league games.

Dortmund are seven points adrift of sixth-placed Freiburg and fifth-placed Leipzig, who occupy the Conference League and Europa League qualifying spots respectively, but it is hard to see them closing the gap with just eight rounds of top-flight action remaining.

BVB's form has been poor, with two defeats, a draw and a win in their last four outings, and they have lost seven of their last 11 league games.

Kovac's side have also struggled for positive results at home, winning just two of their last 11 games at the Signal Iduna Park and losing four.

Mainz should be commended for holding on for a point against Freiburg, having been reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute of a 1-0 win.

Karnevalsverein have scored at least two goals in five consecutive games, and it should be noted that they are the second-best defensive team in the Bundesliga with 28 goals conceded.

Head coach Bo Henriksen oversaw a 3-1 win over Dortmund in their last meeting on 9 November, although they were helped by BVB's Emre Can being sent off in the 27th minute.

Mainz have been in excellent form in recent weeks, going six games unbeaten, winning four and keeping three clean sheets.

The visitors have also won three consecutive away games, although they have lost their last three away from home.

Recent Performance

Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form:LLWWLL

Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions):WWDLWL

Mainz 05 Bundesliga form:DWWWWD

Team News

Dortmund will be without midfielders Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha, although the latter is only expected to miss a few days through illness.

Defender Waldemar Anton's versatility could see him play in a back-two alongside Pascal Gross, with the pair likely to be tasked with protecting centre-backs Can and Nico Schlotterbeck.

In attack, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi could flank striker Serhou Guirassy, who could be supported by attacking midfielder Julian Brandt.

Mainz's injury list is not too extensive, with centre-back Stefan Bell the only confirmed absentee, but Dominik Kohr is suspended following his red card against Freiburg.

Danny da Costa, Moritz Jenz and Andreas Hanche-Olsen could all start at the heart of defence and could play behind midfielders Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri.

Full-back Philipp Mwene is also suspended, leaving Silvan Widmer and Anthony Caci as the most likely candidates to flank the back three.

Possbie starting lineup

Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:

Kobel; Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Anton, Gross; Adeyemi, Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens; Guirassy

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Zentner; Da Costa, Jenz, Hanche-Olsen; Widmer, Sano, Amiri, Caci; Nebel, Lee; Burkardt