FSV Mainz 05 vs Borussia Dortmund Predictions

• Mainz are battling against relegation while Borussia Dortmund are guaranteed to play in the Champions League again
• Dortmund are likely to make wholesale changes again as they rest players for the Champions League Final
• Mainz are unbeaten in seven with three wins and four draws

Mainz can make their move

Mainz can make a significant move away from the relegation zone when they receive a visit from Borussia Dortmund side still basking in the glory of their Champions League semi-final victory.

Bo Henriksen’s side sit 16th in the table and still occupy the relegation play-off position after drawing 1-1 at Heidenheim last weekend. But they have won three of their last four games at MEWA Arena and can expect to face a weakened Dortmund line-up on Saturday.

Edin Terzic can do what he wants with his team now after finally winning the fans over during this epic run to Wembley. He rightly fielded a second-string line-up at home to Augsburg last weekend and still saw them take care of business with a 5-1 win.

Dortmund stiffs can make things difficult

However, their Bavarian opponents were depleted, low on confidence and form, away from home and had nothing to play for while Mainz are the exact opposite on all those scores.

The home side, who are unbeaten in seven overall, should win this match – but it may not be as easy as the shortish price on Mainz suggests it could be. Dortmund’s fringe players have enough quality in attack with the likes of Donyell Malen, Marco Reus and Youssoufa Moukoko to score and put Mainz on the back foot.

Backing the hosts to win with both teams to score is worth considering, but the straight win makes a safer play in case the younger players in the Dortmund line-up cannot replicate their confident display of last week on the road.