Burkardt on the rise | Opponent analysis | Mainz 05

RBL want to fight again!

On matchday 27, RB Leipzig will have another opportunity to put pressure on Borussia Dortmund in the fight for fourth place and the Champions League spots. Before BVB travel to FC Bayern Munich on Saturday evening, the RBL will host 1. FSV Mainz 05 at 3:30 p.m.

Our opponent is in the middle of a relegation battle, making RBL clear favourites in this match. But the Mainz team should not be underestimated and recently moved closer to safety thanks to an important home win.

Form, coach and players – we analyse the opponents!
 

Mainz Form Analysis

• Improved home record
  There has been an upward trend recently at Mainz 05, which is particularly reflected in their improved home record. The 05ers got eight points from the last four home games (two wins, two draws). However, they have lost their last four games away from home.
   
• Losing against the top teams
  It should be mentioned that Mainz have faced a difficult task away from home. The Rheinhessen lost one after the other to Eintracht Frankfurt (0-1), VfB Stuttgart (1-3), Bayer 04 Leverkusen (1-2) and FC Bayern Munich (1-8). Now they have to come to us - so it won't be any easier for our guests. But caution is advised: Mainz celebrated their last Bundesliga away win in Leipzig (3-0) exactly one year ago.
   

Mainz team news #RBLM05

• The three-man defence needs to be rebuilt. 

Bo Henriksen has been in charge as coach of Mainz 05 for five games. During this time, the Dane has established a 3-4-3 system. Sepp van den Berg has become the new constant in the back three. In addition, the coach was repeatedly forced to improvise in defence and will have to do so at the weekend because Dominik Kohr has to serve a yellow card suspension.
 

• Burkardt adds to the attack

Jonathan Burkardt's return after an infection is proving to be very positive for Mainz's attacking efforts. The 23-year-old has been in the starting line-up in the last three games and scored three goals, most recently scoring both goals in the 2-0 home win against Bochum.
 

Unavailable

• Dominik Kohr (suspended)
• Stefan Bell (inflammation of myocardium)
• Maxim Leitsch (muscle injury)
• Nelson Weiper (meniscus injury)

THE HEAD COACH

• When Mainz 05 appointed the Dane Bo Henriksen as Jan Siewert's successor in mid-February , it was quite a surprising choice. However, it has proved to be spot on. Under the 49-year-old, the Rheinhessen immediately ended their winless streak of eleven Bundesliga games, winning 1-0 against Augsburg.
  
  Henriksen has previously led FC Midtjylland to runner-up and cup victory in his home country of Denmark. Most recently he was in charge at FC Zurich. He led the reigning Swiss champions out of the relegation zone. Henriksen is considered a motivator who encourages players to play courageous football. His clear goal is to stay in the league, if necessary via the relegation playoff.

FACTS

• Name: Bo Henriksen
• Birthday: February 7, 1975 in Roskilde (Denmark)
• Previous Roles: FC Zurich, FC Midtjylland, AC Horsens, Bronshoj BK
• Achievements: Danish Cup winner 2022 with FC Midtjylland

Mainz started the last game with this eleven

Zentner – Kohr, van den Berg, Hanche-Olsen – Caci, Barreiro, Amiri, Mwene – Burkardt, Lee – Ajorque
 

Head to Head #RBLM05

Record

• 7 wins, 3 draws, 5 defeats – 38-24 goals
• 5 home wins, 2 away wins
• Top goalscorer: Timo Werner (13 goals)
• Biggest win: 8-0 on November 2nd, 2019 (goals: 3x Werner, Sabitzer, Nkunku, Halstenberg, Poulsen, Mukiele)
   

Played for both clubs

• Tom Krauß (at RB Leipzig from 2011 to 2023)
   

How to watch RB Leipzig v Mainz 05

• The game will be broadcast live on Sky from 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. To watch you need a subscription to Sky. You can also follow the game free of charge on our RBL app - including live audio broadcast on Bullenfunk . And of course we are also live on our social media channels Twitter , Facebook and Instagram as well as on our WhatsApp channel . There you will get all the information and exclusive content about the match.