Union Berlin vs. Mainz 05 Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 January 2025 - bettingexpert

As we approach the 18th round of the Bundesliga, Union Berlin is set to host Mainz 05 at the Alte Foersterei on January 19th, 2025, at 14:30. The match carries significant weight for both sides as they strive to secure crucial points in the highly competitive league.

Union Berlin, currently positioned 13th with 16 points, is desperate for a win, having not tasted victory in their last ten Bundesliga matches. Injuries plague their squad, including key players like Jerome Roussillon and Josip Juranovic. Their form has dipped, indicated by their string of recent losses (LLLLL).

Mainz 05, on the other hand, sits comfortably at 6th with 28 points and has been in excellent form, winning four of their last five matches (LWWWW). Despite the absence of their top scorer, Jonathan Burkardt, due to injury, Mainz’s offensive potential remains potent. They have impressed by defeating teams like Bayern Munich earlier this season.

Our recommended bet for this match is over 2.5 goals in the first half, given the attacking capabilities and current form of Mainz. Bookmakers have Union Berlin as the favorites with odds of 2.57, while Mainz is at 2.81.

Expect an intriguing clash with plenty of action as both teams look to improve their standings in the Bundesliga.

Union Berlin vs Mainz 05 Prediction & Betting tip

• Both teams have shown offensive capabilities, with Mainz scoring an average of 2 goals per game in their last five matches.
• Union Berlin has conceded a significant number of goals recently, reflecting defensive vulnerabilities.
• With Mainz missing some key players and Union being desperate for points, an open and high-scoring first half is likely.

Union Berlin vs Mainz 05 Odds

With Union Berlin favored by the bookmakers, odds of 2.57 reflect potential value for those backing the home team to secure a much-needed victory.

However, Mainz 05’s solid form and position in the Bundesliga cannot be ignored, making their odds of 2.81 enticing for those considering an away win. The draw is also a plausible outcome, given the odds of 3.17.

Considering Mainz’s offensive prowess, a high-scoring game is on the cards. Those looking for a riskier yet rewarding bet might consider backing over 2.5 goals for excellent returns.

Union Berlin Team Analysis

Union Berlin Recent Performance

Union Berlin have had a tough run recently, suffering five consecutive losses.

Recent form: LLLLL
Union Berlin’s recent performances have been less than impressive, with the team failing to secure any points in their last five matches. They scored an average of just 0.4 goals per game during this period and were unable to keep any clean sheets, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Their top scorer, Benedict Hollerbach, has only netted three goals so far, underscoring their struggles in the attacking department.

Union Berlin Key Players

Union Berlin will be counting on a few standout performers to turn their fortunes around. Benedict Hollerbach, the team’s top scorer with three goals, will spearhead the attack and look to exploit any weaknesses in the Mainz defense. The midfield duo of Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira will play key roles in controlling the game’s tempo and breaking up the opposition’s play.

Kevin Vogt is a critical presence in defense, though his participation is doubtful due to stomach trouble.

Expected lineup for Union Berlin:

• Goalkeeper: Alexander Schwolow
• Defenders: Christopher Trimmel, Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, Jerome Roussillon
• Midfielders: Robert Skov, Aljoscha Kemlein, Rani Khedira, Woo-Yeong Jeong
• Forwards: Jordan Siebatcheu, Benedict Hollerbach

Key battles to watch include Hollerbach against Mainz’s solid backline, and midfielder Rani Khedira versus Mainz’s creative Jae-Sung Lee.

Union Berlin Suspensions & Injuries

Union Berlin are currently dealing with a slew of injury concerns that could significantly impact their performance against Mainz 05.

In terms of suspensions, Union Berlin will be without Tom Rothe due to a red card.

These absences, especially in defense and midfield, could put additional pressure on Union Berlin’s key players to perform and see them lean heavily on their depth to compensate. The lack of recent clean sheets further highlights the challenge the team faces heading into this fixture.

Union Berlin Tactics and Formation

Union Berlin Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Benedict Hollerbach
• Midfield Five: Robert Skov, Aljoscha Kemlein, Rani Khedira, Woo-Yeong Jeong, Jordan Siebatcheu
• Defense: Alexander Schwolow in goal, with Christopher Trimmel, Danilho Doekhi, Diogo Leite, and Jerome Roussillon

Union Berlin has been struggling recently with five consecutive losses and no clean sheets in the last five games. The team boasts a solid midfield designed to disrupt opposition play and control possession.

The strategy for this match will likely involve:

• Compact defensive play to minimize Mainz’s scoring opportunities.
• Quick transitions to capitalize on counter-attacks, especially given Hollerbach’s finishing ability.
• Fluid midfield movement to support the lone forward and create scoring opportunities.

Baumgart will look to shore up the backline, mindful of their recent defensive frailties, and focus on exploiting Mainz’s weaknesses.

Mainz 05 Team Analysis

Mainz 05 Recent Performance LWWWW

Mainz 05 have enjoyed excellent form recently, winning four of their last five Bundesliga matches. Their recent record boasts an impressive goal-scoring average of 2.00 per game, illustrating their attacking firepower. Defensively, they’ve managed to secure one clean sheet in the last five games, indicating a slight vulnerability at the back.

Despite their recent defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, Mainz 05’s overall performance paints a picture of a team in form and riding high on confidence.

Mainz 05 Key Players

Expected lineup for Mainz 05:

• Goalkeeper: Robin Zentner
• Defenders: Danny da Costa, Dominik Kohr, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Anthony Caci, Philipp Mwene
• Midfielders: Jae-Sung Lee, Kaishu Sano, Nadiem Amiri, Paul Nebel
• Forward: Armindo Sieb

Mainz 05’s attacking threat is largely defined by their top scorer, Jonathan Burkardt, who has netted 12 goals this season. Although he’s nursing a hamstring injury, the team can still rely on the creativity of Jae-Sung Lee and the pace of Paul Nebel.

Defensively, Dominik Kohr will need to neutralize Union Berlin’s strikers. His performances in the backline, alongside solid contributions from Andreas Hanche-Olsen, will be key.

Key battles to watch: Armindo Sieb vs Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi, and Jae-Sung Lee against Aljoscha Kemlein in midfield.

Mainz 05 Suspensions & Injuries

Mainz 05 will miss the attacking prowess of Jonathan Burkardt, as his hamstring injury sidelines him until mid-February. This absence puts additional pressure on Armindo Sieb to step up as the main striker. Additionally, the defensive stability offered by Stefan Bell and Moritz Jenz will be compromised, which might challenge the backline’s cohesion.

The absence of key players presents an opportunity for others to shine, but it does complicate the tactical planning for Sören Hartung.

Mainz 05 Tactics and Formation

Mainz 05’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Armindo Sieb (in place of injured Jonathan Burkardt)
• Midfield Four: Anthony Caci, Kaishu Sano, Nadiem Amiri, Phillipp Mwene
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Scoring predominantly in the 31-45 and 46-60-minute intervals

Mainz 05 under Sören Hartung have shown a strong preference for a 3-4-2-1 formation, which offers versatility in both attack and defense. With the absence of top scorer Burkardt, the attacking responsibilities fall on Armindo Sieb.

The midfield quartet supports dynamic transitions with Jae-Sung Lee and Paul Nebel serving as attacking midfielders. Their success often hinges on exploiting the wings through Caci and Mwene, while Kohr’s presence in the center-back role bolsters their defensive framework.

Union Berlin vs Mainz 05 Head-to-Head Statistics

Union Berlin and Mainz 05 haven’t faced each other in their last five matches in the Bundesliga.
This match at Alte Foersterei will mark their first encounter this season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling fixture.
Union Berlin will be looking to break their winless streak, while Mainz 05 aims to continue their strong form.
With both teams showing contrasting fortunes lately, this meeting presents a fresh challenge for both sides.

Odds accurate as of 17/01/2025 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.