Mainz vs Union Berlin Prediction & Betting Tips (24 August)

Mainz experienced a particularly trying final season during which this team believed for a long time to be heading towards inevitable relegation before restoring the situation at the end of the year. Finally, Anthony Caci's partners were able to snatch the final 13th place in the ranking with only 2 points ahead of the jump-off, Bochum. This year, Bo Henriksen's men should especially focus on avoiding these kinds of scares and the objective will be to widen the gap as quickly as possible in the red zone. To do this, the Nullfünfer rather gained confidence this summer by winning 3 of its 4 preparation matches, notably against Montpellier 3-1. Last Friday, FSV was able to dismiss Wehen Wiesbaden after extra time 1-3 in the first round of the German Cup. Union Berlin, for its part, had an even more delicate season than its opponent in day.

Rather accustomed to playing the leading roles since its accession to the elite in 2019, the club from the capital experienced its first real difficulties last year and it came very close to having to compete in the relegation play-offs. Ultimately, it was thanks to its better goal difference that it was able to secure 15th place at the expense of Bochum. This summer, the Iron Men were held to a draw by Rangers 4-4 then largely beaten by Lyon 0-4 before being hung again, this time by Real Sociedad 1-1. On the other hand, in the cup, the Berliners were able to get rid of Greifswalder 0-1. 

Relegated to the bench last year, French striker Ajorque was loaned to Brest. Otherwise, winger Gruda (Brighton) also left the club as did striker Ngankam (Frankfurt) and defender van den Berg (Liverpool) whose loan periods ended. Finally, central midfielder Barreiro signed for Benfica. Conversely, defensive midfielder Sano (Kashima Antlers), full-back Veratschnig (Wolfsberger) and striker Sieb (Bayern, loan) have joined the squad. Last season's top scorer, Burkardt, is still there. He had found the fault 8 times in the Bundesliga, thus ahead of the Korean Lee Jae-Sung and his 6 goals.

Union Berlin did not wish to keep the Tunisian midfielder Laïdouni (Al Wakrah), the Danish striker Kaufmann (Heidenheim ) and central defender Knocke (Nuremberg). On the other hand, she made a good move by attracting the very promising left side Rothe (Dortmund). In addition, Austrian central defender Querfeld (Rapid Viennes) and Slovak midfielder Lazlo Benes (Hamburg) have also arrived. Finally, the American striker Siebatcheu and the winger Skarke (Heidenheim) who were on loan last season, are back at the club in the hope of establishing themselves there. Last season, it was left-back Gosens who finished at the top of the scorers' rankings with 6 goals only ahead of Hollerbach (5 goals).