On Saturday afternoon, Monchengladbach and Mainz clash in an encounter that could be pivotal in both the European race and the fight for survival in the Bundesliga.
Recently Monchengladbach head coach Marco Rose confirmed that he will be joining Borussia Dortmund this summer. The move was one of the worst kept secrets in German football. The highly-rated boss has insisted that it is business as usual and the announcement will not affect the Foals chances of success this season.
Gladbach’s recent form has been poor of late though, as the home team have failed to win in their last three Bundesliga matches. The winless run of league form has seen the home team fall six points adrift of the Champions League spots.
Rose’s team had been on a decent run of form at Borussia Park of late at least. However, a shock 2-1 defeat to Koln in their last home match in the Bundesliga ended a three-game winning run on home soil for the Foals. They need to get back to winning ways in this game or risk falling further behind in the race for the Champions League spots.
Mainz are starting to show some real signs of life under Danish head coach Bo Svensson.
Last time out the visitors recorded a creditable 2-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen, meaning that they have now taken four points from their last two matches. The positive results have moved them to within four points of the teams in the relegation play-off spot and 15th place.
They still have work to do, but Mainz have given themselves a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they are one of Monchengladbach’s favourite opponents, as the Foals have won eight of the last ten meetings between the two teams.
Great to see @MarcusThuram and @Deniszakaria8 on board as the Foals began preparation for this weekend's meeting with Mainz 05 ⚽#DieFohlen pic.twitter.com/hQwqF8DRuC— Gladbach (@borussia_en) February 17, 2021
Great to see @MarcusThuram and @Deniszakaria8 on board as the Foals began preparation for this weekend's meeting with Mainz 05 ⚽#DieFohlen pic.twitter.com/hQwqF8DRuC
Forebet predicts that Monchengladbach will claim another win over the visitors to dent their chances of launching a late bid for survival.