Borussia Dortmund v Mainz

Two teams in top form clash in Germany Bundesliga. Can Dortmund cut the lead of Bayern to just 3 points or will Mainz grab a result?

Borussia Dortmund v Mainz – Signal Iduna Park 20:30 CET

Team News:

Dortmund are without two important players for this one. Emre Can and standout performer Nico Schlotterbeck are missing. Squad members Fillipo Mane and Yan Couto are also unavailable. However, there is positive news as speedy winger Karim Adeyemi is fit again, and Marcel Sabitzer has returned from injury.

Mainz are without Dal, Zentner and Hollerbach as long term injured. Caci and Sieb are doubts also.

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Formations:

3-4-2-1 for Dortmund for most of the season. Compact defence with quick transitions and they are very physical also.

Mainz have switched to 3-5-2 since the turn of the year and their fortunes have been much improved. They too are defensive and organised and can be very direct.

Statistics:

Referee: Tobias Welz (Average cards 3.97 Yellow 0.17 Red)

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Match Preview:

Dortmund enters this match on a run of five consecutive victories. They remain unbeaten at home this season, with eight wins and two draws. However, their focus may be slightly divided as they prepare to face Atalanta in the UCL Playoffs on Wednesday. Mainz, meanwhile, are enjoying strong form of their own. They have won four of their last five games, climbing out of the relegation zone.  

Betting Preview:

Despite the amazing turnaround under Urs Fischer Mainz will struggle to match up to Dortmund. This should be a low-key win for the home side. They will not want to overstretch themselves for the important midweek Champions league tie. Take Dortmund to win to nil at good odds.