02 December 2021, 16:02 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Zero5ers take on the Wolves at 15:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, December 4, at MEWA Arena.
Preview 1. FSV Mainz 05 Bundesliga, Dec 4, 2021
Preview 1. FSV Mainz 05 picked up a 2-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart at the Mercedes-Benz Arena last Friday. A remarkable solo run from Omar Marmoush [from Wolfsburg on loan], crowned with a switch from right-foot to left, before forcing a save from Robin Zentner, almost saw Stuttgart take the lead in the opening minutes. A moment later, the Japanese defender, Hiroki Ito (21'), found the back of the net with a remarkable right-footed curler, too strong for the fingertips of Zentner in goal for Mainz. Alexander Hack (38') found the leveler minutes later with what was his first Bundesliga goal since January. Both sides left 25,000 spectators behind for the break, with parity restored at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. But a remarkable goal from another defender, left-back Borna Sosa (52'), saw Stuttgart take the lead minutes after the break until full-time. It was the first defeat for Mainz in five Bundesliga games: WWDDL, and it saw the club move from 8th to 9th place, having failed to earn a point on MD13. The Zero5ers have 18 points from 5W, 3D, & 5L. A dynamic 3—5—2 formation with the duo consisting of Karim Onisiwo and Jonathan Burkardt was seen in the game against Stuttgart. The shape saw Mainz put 18 shots together, 5 of them on target, stemming from 550 delicate passes. Bo Svensson could stick with the same formation for this fixture, knowing Wolfsburg are quick in attack and balancing attack with defense would be ideal to come off with at least a point. Dominik Kohr is ruled out for this fixture along with Anderson Lucoqui.
Preview VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga, Dec 4, 2021
Preview Wolfsburg were also on the losing end on Matchday 13, picking up a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on home soil. The club dropped one spot, from 6th to 7th place on the table, after failing to earn a point, and now has 20 points from 6W, 2D, and 5L. It was the second defeat for Wolfsburg in five Bundesliga games: LWWDL. With a 50% win rate after six games across all competitions (3W, 1D, 2L), Florian Kohfeldt aims for a quick return to winning ways to see the numbers improve. Sixth-placed Union Berlin (20 points) takes on RB Leipzig at the weekend, while fifth-placed Hoffenheim (20 points) face Frankfurt. Die Wölfe could appear with the 3—4—2—1 formation, leaving Wout Weghorst in attack once again. Weghorst has 5 goals and 1 assist in 11 Bundesliga appearances for the club this season. A 40% participation in Wolfsburg’s total goal haul of 15. Koen Casteels, who has the highest number of clean sheets in the German Bundesliga [alongside Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann], 5, remains doubtful, having tested positive for COVID-19.