Mainz 05 vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, Head-to-Head, Lineups & Prediction (27 Sept 2025)

 Mainz 05 vs Borussia Dortmund Preview – Head-to-Head, Lineups & Prediction (27 Sept 2025)

Bundesliga Matchday Preview

On 27 September 2025, the Mewa Arena will witness an exciting clash as FSV Mainz 05 host Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Mainz will hope their home crowd can inspire them against one of Germany’s football giants, while Dortmund arrive with confidence and attacking firepower.

This fixture has historically delivered drama, goals, and surprises, making it one of the must-watch matches of the weekend.

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Head-to-Head Record

Here’s a look at some notable recent meetings between Mainz and Dortmund:

• 30 March 2025 – Borussia Dortmund 3–1 Mainz (Dortmund dominant at home)

• 09 November 2024 – Mainz 3–1 Dortmund (Mainz shocked Dortmund with a strong win)

• 11 May 2024 – Mainz 3–0 Dortmund (convincing victory for Mainz)

• 19 December 2023 – Dortmund 1–1 Mainz (a tight contest)

📊 In overall history:

• Dortmund have won 21 times

• Mainz have won 8 times

• Around 11 matches have ended in draws

• The average goals per game is 2.68

👉 Clearly, Dortmund hold the upper hand historically, but Mainz have proved dangerous at home.

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Team News & Lineups

FSV Mainz 05

• Mixed start to the 2025/26 season with losses against Köln and RB Leipzig, plus a draw against Wolfsburg.

• Robin Zentner likely starts in goal.

• Defensive stability remains a challenge; set-piece defending could be key.

• Dominik Kohr may miss out due to suspension.

• Tactical approach: defend deep, absorb pressure, and counterattack.

Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Zentner – Widmer, Bell, Fernandes, Mwene – Barreiro, Caci – Lee, Gruda, Ajorque – Burkardt

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Borussia Dortmund

• Stronger league form compared to Mainz, with more squad depth.

• Fabio Silva could return to the matchday squad after injury.

• Likely to control possession and push Mainz back with high pressing.

• Attacking firepower in both wings and midfield creativity makes them dangerous.

Possible Lineup (4-3-3):
Kobel – Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Maatsen – Can, Sabitzer, Brandt – Sancho, Malen, Füllkrug

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Tactical Battle

• Mainz: compact, low-block defense, fast counters.

• Dortmund: possession-based, quick passing in final third, wing play.

• The match may hinge on whether Mainz can withstand Dortmund’s early pressure.

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Prediction

• Both sides are capable of scoring, but Dortmund’s quality and consistency give them the edge.

• Expect Mainz to fight hard at home, possibly finding the net.

Predicted Score: Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Mainz 05
(Alternative: A 2–2 draw if Mainz capitalize on their chances.)