Even though 1. FSV Mainz 05’s only win of the season came almost three months ago, head coach Ole Werner is cautious and is expecting a “tough task” at the MEWA ARENA on Saturday, 3rd Feburary at 15:30 CET. However, SV Werder are focused on remaining unfazed by the challenge ahead of them, and are intent on picking up points for the seventh game running.
The squad: New signing Skelly Alvero will be in the squad for the first time away at Mainz. Ole Werner will also have the trio of Jens Stage, Mitchell Weiser and Felix Agu, who were all still training individually on Thursday, available for the game. However, Werder’s head coach will have to continue to do without long-term absentees Amos Pieper (broken ankle), Milos Veljkovic (knee pain), Leon Opitz (ruptured ankle ligament) and Spyros Angelidis (broken hand). Additionally, Naby Keïta will be absent as he is still at AFCON with Guinea, with his side having progressed to the last eight.
Ole Werner on the game: “It’s a tough away game, one that will challenge us in every aspect. Mainz play and defend with a great deal of organisation. We know what we need to do, and now it’s up to us to produce it on the pitch again.”
Previous meetings: SVW have played against the 05ers 33 times and have a slight edge in the head-to-head record against Mainz, having won 15 of the previous encounters against FSV. Ole Werner's side won the most recent clash 4-0 at home in the return fixture earlier this season. However, Mainz aren't far behind SVW and have won eleven of the previous games between the two sides.
Plenty going on before the end of the transfer window: It was not only Werder who strengthened their squad with the arrival of midfielders Skelly Alvero and Isak Hansen- Aarøen shortly before the transfer window shut. The 05ers were also active in the transfer market again. Following the signing of midfielder Nadiem Amiri from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Mainz also secured the services of striker Jessic Ngankam on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Efficient in front of goal: Whilst Jan Siewert’s men have had more shots (221) than Werder (209) so far this season, the Green-Whites have been far more clinical in front of goal. Marvin Ducksch and Co. have already scored 28 goals this season, whilst Mainz have only scored 14 times in comparison.
