1. FC Union Berlin will head to FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday afternoon (15:30) in the Bundesliga, off the back of the strong performance on Thursday in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Review: The last match
Andreas Voglsammer started the scoring for 1. FC Union Berlin in the 3-0 win over Maccabi Haifa on Matchday 2 of Group E. The Union number nine started for the second successive game and bundled home a cross from Kevin Behrens after 33 minutes. The 30-year-old Behrens has enjoyed a rollercoaster fortnight with his first European goal at Slavia Prague, while bagging Union’s winner last week and his first goal in Germany’s top division. On 48 minutes, Behrens powered in a header from Christopher Trimmel’s corner to double his tally in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Sheraldo Becker was also rewarded for his impact off the bench in the Bundesliga with a starting place in attack for Union. Becker picked out substitute Taiwo Awoniyi with a perfect cross and the Union striker finished off expertly to secure three points against the Israeli champions.
Mainz: Opposition Report
With 10 points from six games – one more than 1. FC Union – Mainz have started the season well. The Carnival Club have seen improvement under Bo Svensson who was given the role in January having previously coached the club’s youth teams. The Dane has made his team hard to beat, while fast and aggressive in transition. Mainz have won 13 games from 27 in the Bundesliga, surviving the threat of relegation last season and starting where they left off this time around. Mainz are currently unbeaten at home this season having beaten Leipzig and Greuther Fürth, whilst drawing on home soil to Freiburg. Svensson’s team have kept four clean sheets out of six league matches so far this campaign.
Mainz: The coach’s view
“They have carried their form from last season into this. Top class to stay in the league. Huge praise. The improvement has continued. A team with a clear structure. A team that dominates the middle. They run and make stress. Don’t give much away. We need to very efficient. They have started well,” said head coach Urs Fischer.
Personnel
Fischer has largely a full squad to pick from apart from three absentees. Jakob Busk has an illness and will be unavailable for selection. After his concussion at home to Arminia Bielefeld, Timo Baumgartl is out for a little longer as the club remains cautious about his situation. Cedric Teuchert has returned to training, but won’t be ready for tomorrow.
Service
Tickets can be found here for the match in Mainz.