Bundesliga: Can the Mateta-Less Mainz Get One Against Monchengladbach?

FSV Mainz 05 vs Borussia Monchengladbach

FSV Mainz and Monchengladbach didn’t really get their desired results in the opening week of the Bundesliga, which is why both of these teams are doing all they can to prepare for this upcoming matchup.

The Foals ended with a 0-0 draw at home versus Schalke while Mainz suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat against Freiburg after doing pretty well up until the last 10 minutes.

In what was a couple of feeling-out affairs by both clubs, they weren’t able to register a single goal in their respective fixtures. However, that may all change once they set their feet in the 33,000-seater Opel Arena.

Today, SBOBET offers a glimpse on what’s to come for this game happening on Saturday.

Talking Points

Who will step up in the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Having signed to a four-year deal by Sandro Schwarz, it’s clear that Mateta has lived up to his potential as the team’s striker for the future. While there are still some facets in his game that needs to be worked on, he is effective primarily as a goalscorer, netting 14 of them last season.

Prior to the start of the Bundesliga season, Mainz not only lost in the DFB Pokal, but they also lost their star striker to a meniscus injury that would sideline him indefinitely. Not only that, the 05ers weren’t able to retain the services of Jean-Philippe Gbamin in the transfer market as well which could pose huge problems on their defence.

Sandro Schwarz looking to outwit former colleague Marco Rose in the Bundesliga — FSV Mainz 05 coach Sandro Schwarz speaks before the match

Forward Taiwo Awoniyi and midfielder Robin Quaison will look to fill the gap left by Mateta, but it is highly unlikely that they will score some goals in his absence.

All hope is not lost, however, as the team made some key additions to make up for their losses. They brought in the likes of Edmilson Fernandes, Jeremiah St. Juste, and Aaron Martin via transfers as they shore up their back line with new, fresh legs.

Mainz won’t produce too much Bundesliga 2019 highlights by being an attacking powerhouse but expect them to play with high intensity and physicality in all of their fixtures this season.

Monchengladbach still adjusting to Marco Rose’s system

For the most part, Gladbach have always been above-average in the Bundesliga table. But if they plan on usurping the likes of RB Leipzig and Leverkusen in the top four, they’ll have all season to do so by buying into Marco Rose’s system.

The 42-year-old manager started by putting his focus on Monchengladbach’s defence in their first match against Schalke. However, they weren’t able to maximize opportunities whenever they get the ball from their opponents.

Matthias Ginter, who is a vital cog for the Foals, touched upon this and he expressed his optimism that the team would find their bearings soon under the new manager.

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“I think you could see that we’re on the right path. The most important thing is that we continue to push forward and that we remain calm. That’s something that we will continue to work on during the next few weeks,” said Ginter in the interview.

Alassane Plea and Marcus Thuram will be tasked to create attacking chances for Monchengladbach. But the real x-factor here is Florian Neuhaus – who has yet to show up after showing flashes of brilliance last season.

It is worth noting that Rose’s starting XI has an average age of only 25.3 years old. And with the way things are going right now, Gladbach’s trajectory is on an upward rise.

History

FSV Mainz and Monchengladbach have a total of 34 matches between them.

The Foals have won in 14 matches while the 05ers emerged victorious in 11. Nine of their matches ended in a draw.

Gladbach managed to post clean sheets against Mainz in their last four fixtures.

FSV Mainz’s last win against Gladbach dates back to January 24, 2017 (1-0).

Betting Tip

	FSV Mainz 05 vs Borussia Monchengladbach	Borussia Monchengladbach Asian Handicap +0.00 @1.74
	August 24, 21:30 (GMT+8)

Recent history suggests that Monchengladbach will win their match against Mainz on Saturday with the former winning in three out of their last four encounters.

Die Fohlen hold 2.40 winning odds while Mainz are not far behind with 2.85. The Bundesliga 2019 odds of getting a draw in this game are pegged at 3.30.

While Marco Rose’s side gets the nod here, for sure Sandro Schwarz’s players will give them a run for their money. However, with Mateta out, it would be hard to imagine for Mainz to find a rhythm in their attack.

It looks like Gladbach will grab three points in this game with a 1-0 win. But if Mainz manages to get a draw, it should be considered a victory in itself.