Borussia Dortmund are up against FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga on Wednesday in a match that could prove no impact in BVB’s title hopes.
The Black and Yellow side will be going into the game looking to build on their hard earned victory over Fortuna Dusseldorf on Saturday and to give no room for the RB Leipzig to overcome them to the second spot.
Mainz were unimpressive in their 0-1 home loss to Augsburg over the weekend and coming against Dortmund would prove to be a much more difficult task.
In the reverse fixture in December, BVB thrashed Mainz by four goals to nil, with Marco Reus, Jadon Sancho, Thorgan Hazard and Nico Schulz all being on the scoresheet.
While Lucien Favre’s side find themselves second on the league table with 66 points, Mainz are only three points above the relegation play-off and lie in 15th with 31 points after 31 games.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Signal Iduna Park
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 18:30 (GMT)
Recent League Form
Borussia Dortmund (2nd – W L W W W)
A win for Bayern Munich on Tuesday would mean that Dortmund have failed to reclaim the Bundesliga title for yet another year, but the Black and Yellows are more open cementing their second position and try to fight the Bavarians next season.
Dortmund are on a three-match winning streak after losing to the league leaders and this game should equally be a walk over for Favre and his boys.
Mainz 05 (15th – L D L W L)
Achim Beierlorzer’s side have taken just four points in a possible 15 in their last five games, a record they would have to work on it if they are to have any chances of staying the top-flight for next season. In two games against Favre, Beierlorzer has won none while Favre has got two wins.
TEAM NEWS
Dortmund, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Mohammed Dahoud continue to stay out of the team. Mario Gotze is expected to be involved after missing last weekend’s game due to his wife giving birth. Marco Reus has been training since last week and should at least get favors from the manager in this game. Schulz and Thomas Delaney are doubts for this game.
For Mainz, midfielder Edmilson Fernandes will be on the sidelines through suspension. Robin Zentner has also been ruled out while Dong-Won Ji could return after missing last week’s clash.
Ridle Baku is back from suspension but Taiwo Awoniyi who was concussed against Augsburg is also likely to be unavailable for the trip.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Dortmund: Burki; Piszczek, Hummels, Akanji; Hakimi, Can, Witsel, Guerreiro; Sancho, Haaland, Hazard
Mainz: Muller; Brosinski, Niakhate, St. Juste, Baku; Onisiwo, Latza, Kunde, Oztunali; Quaison; Mateta
PREDICTION
Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Mainz 05
