FSV Mainz 05 vs Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga preview, Gameweek 33, 2024

Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund will hope to bring their amazing form in Europe into the Bundesliga this Saturday, as they travel to relegation-threatened Mainz, in a re-run of last season’s final matchday.

It’s fair to say Dortmund have had some week. Edin Terzic’s side confirmed their spot in their first Champions League final since 2013.

Die Schwartzgelben (the black and yellows) edged an inspired PSG side that hit the woodwork a staggering six times 1-0, thanks to a header from club legend Mats Hummels.

With the fantastic achievement, Dortmund fans would be forgiven for forgetting about the Bundesliga, given that they’re guaranteed Champions League for next season thanks to Germany winning the UEFA Coefficient extra spot.

But it still exists! And Dortmund will want to avenge the loss to Mainz that saw them miss out on the title last season.

In league terms, Dortmund haven’t really set the league alight this season, with them sat in fifth, 24 points off the title they so narrowly missed out on last season.

After a tricky period just before winter break, Dortmund have picked up their league form winning 10 out of their last 15 games, including a win over Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker.

Whilst Terzic’s men will be chomping at the bit for June 1 to hurry up, they will be desperate to end the league season on a high and go into the Champions League final with momentum behind them.

One team that is also desperate to keep momentum is Mainz

After a dismal first half of the season which saw Die Nullfünfer (the 05ers) pick up just one win in 21 games, Bo Henriksen’s side have dragged themselves up in spectacular fashion.

Since their 8-1 humiliation away to Bayern in early March, Mainz have gone unbeaten, winning three and drawing four

It’s because of their inspired form that the team who sat nine points away from safety on matchday 25, are now just one point from being outside the drop zone with two games left to play.

Those two games will be against Dortmund and Wolfsburg, two sides without much to play for.

Add that to relegation rivals Union Berlin having two tough fixtures against a Koln side fighting for their lives and a Europe-chasing Freiburg, and the odds start to shift in Mainz’s favour.

Can Mainz keep the great escape alive and extend their 15-year stay in the Bundesliga?

Team news

Mainz

Right-back Phillipp Mwene will be suspended after being sent off in Mainz’s draw with Koln a fortnight ago.

Veteran striker Karim Onisiwo will also be out with a broken finger picked up in that same game against Koln.

Centre-back Stefan Bell will also not feature due to a long-term injury.

Borussia Dortmund

Despite their busy schedule, Dortmund’s injury list is pretty small.

Young defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Kamara and winger Julien Duranville are both out, and defender Ramy Bensebaini is still out with a long-term ligament injury.

Likely lineups

Mainz

Zentner (GK), Van den Berg, Fernandes, Hanche-Olsen, Caci, Widmer (C), Kohr, Barreiro, Lee, Burkardt, Ajorque

Borussia Dortmund

Kobel, Ryerson, Sule, Schlotterback, Maatsen, Can (C), Sabitzer, Sancho, Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens, Fullkrug

Key players

Mainz – Jonathan Burkardt

Despite missing much of the first half of the season, the 23-year-old has been integral to Mainz’s attempt at the great escape, with him scoring six in the last nine

The versatile striker has played all across the front three this season, with him often playing as a second striker or centre forward alongside French striker Ludovic Ajorque.

The German has hit stellar form in recent weeks, and Mainz fans will be begging him to continue his purple patch as they edge closer to safety.

Borussia Dortmund – Julian Brandt

An integral body in the Dortmund attack, Julian Brandt has been a crucial asset for Dortmund this season.

The 27-year-old has registered a fantastic nine goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season, with his 11 in the Bundesliga putting him joint second on the assists chart.

He’s easily been one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga this season and will play a huge part in Dortmund’s bid to end the season on a high.