1. FSV Mainz vs. Eintracht Frankfurt preview: First Mewa Arena reunion for Jonathan Burkardt
1. FSV Mainz vs. Eintracht Frankfurt preview: First Mewa Arena reunion for Jonathan Burkardt With pride on the line in the Rhine-Main derby and Jonathan Burkardt set for his first return to Mainz since his summer departure, Sunday’s encounter carries significant weight.
Both sides remain in need of crucial points as the Bundesliga season edges towards its decisive phase. 1. FSV Mainz 05 While Mainz still have work to do in their bid to steer clear of relegation trouble, they head into the weekend in solid form, having suffered just one defeat in their last eight league outings.
However, three draws in their previous five matches have slightly hindered their momentum, leaving them 13th in the table on 27 points and still glancing nervously over their shoulder. They secured a vital win away at fellow strugglers Werder Bremen last time out in the league, before turning their attention to European competition midweek. Hosting Sigma Olomouc in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League Round of 16 tie, Mainz delivered a composed 2-0 victory.
Second-half goals from Stefan Posch and Armindo Sieb ensured progression to a historic first-ever European quarter-final. Head coach Urs Fischer remains focused despite the midweek success: “Wins do you good. That sense of confidence and belief carries forwards.
We do also have to move on from Thursday and get into the mindset of focusing on our day-to-day business in the Bundesliga. Still, we’re heading into the game with confidence, which we’ll need. ” Mainz’s recent home form has been particularly impressive.