Union Berlin vs Mainz Prediction

An underperforming Union Berlin will have it all to do when they host a high-flying Mainz side who lie sixth in the Bundesliga, just two points outside the top four.

Berlin are currently on a seven match losing streak in the league, and with many of these coming against some less challenging sides, this run looks unlikely to end on Sunday.

Meanwhile Mainz have beaten Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt since November, and have underlined their credentials as legitimate Champions League football contenders.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Union Berlin have managed just four goals in their last seven matches during their losing streak, and haven’t won since October 20th.
• Berlin are also struggling to find a regular source of goals, with Tom Rothe, Benedict Hollerbach and Woo-Yeong Jeong top scorers on a measly two goals.
• Mainz boast the second best defensive record in the league, with their 21 goals conceded second only to Bayern Munich’s 13.
• Striker Jonathan Burkardt sits third in the scoring rankings with 12, eclipsed only by Omar Marmoush (15) and Harry Kane (16).

Union Berlin Preview

Union Berlin Predicted Lineup (4-5-1): Alexander Schwolow (GK); Jerome Roussillon, Diogo Leite, Danilho Doekhi, Christopher Trimmel; Woo-Yeong Jeong, Lucas Tousart, Rani Khedira, Aljoscha Kemlein, Benedict Hollerbach; Jordan Pefok.

In 2022/23, when Union Berlin miraculously qualified for the Champions League, many were expecting a successful near future for the club, with increased prize money being well invested into facilities and quality players.

Instead, they have been on a severe downfall, clearly overwhelmed with the number of games they were forced to play, combined with the players that carried them to the Champions League being poached by bigger clubs.

They finished 15th last season, separated from the relegation play-off spot by goal difference alone, and now sitting in 13th on a losing run of seven games, things could well go from bad to worse. They won’t win this one, and it is becoming hard to see which games they will win.

Mainz Preview

Mainz Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Robin Zentner (GK); Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Maxim Leitsch, Danny Da Costa; Philipp Mwene, Dominik Kohr, Kaishu Sano, Anthony Caci; Jae-Sung Lee, Paul Nebel; Nelson Weiper.

While defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last time out brought their remarkable run to an end, Mainz morale will still be high after a string of superb victories, including over two of the top three.

However, they have been struck by injury ahead of their clash with Berlin. Both Stefan Bell and top scorer Jonathan Burkardt had to be taken off against Leverkusen thanks to knocks, and it looks unlikely that either will return in time for this fixture.

The loss of Burkardt will weigh particularly heavily on Bo Henriksen’s side. With 12 goals in 16 league appearances, his scoring prowess will be dearly missed. On the flip-side however, it opens the door to 19-year-old Nelson Weiper, who though yet to score in any competition this season, has shown plenty of promise.

Union Berlin vs Mainz Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 24/08/2024: Mainz 1-1 Union Berlin.
• 07/02/2024: Mainz 1-1 Union Berlin.
• 20/08/2023: Union Berlin 4-1 Mainz.
• 04/02/2023: Union Berlin 2-1 Mainz.
• 14/08/2022: Mainz 0-0 Union Berlin.

Union Berlin vs Mainz Betting Tip

Mainz are clear favourites here. They have a superior goalscoring record to their opponents, and more importantly, recent form goes very much in their favour. We are backing Mainz to pick up the victory, and thanks to their action-packed games recently, we are also predicting over 2.5 goals.

Union Berlin vs Mainz Final Prediction

Union Berlin 1-3 Mainz

Given Berlin’s lack of confidence, they will struggle to get anything going here, which will play right into Mainz’s hands. They are more than happy to dictate the game, and being allowed to do so will see them run out comfortable victors.