Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Bundesliga 2025-26

Dortmund remain unbeaten in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season so far, while Mainz have won one game.

Borussia Dortmund will travel to the Mewa Arena on Saturday evening to face Mainz 05 in a Bundesliga fixture that promises excitement and significance. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM IST (13:30 UTC) and brings together two sides who have taken very different routes across the opening weeks of the season. Dortmund arrive in second place with 10 points from their first four league matches, while Mainz are 13th after a mixed run of results.

Efficiency in attack and occasional lapses at the back have marked Dortmund’s start to the campaign. They edged past VfL Wolfsburg 1-0 in their previous league game, courtesy of a decisive strike from Karim Adeyemi, yet their defensive line continues to draw scrutiny. The 4-4 draw against Juventus in the Champions League highlighted both their attacking flair and their defensive frailties, a balance that continues to define their performances.

Full focus on Saturday 💪#Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/4zWs5nPTNE

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) September 24, 2025

Serhou Guirassy is at the forefront of their attack. He led the Bundesliga scoring charts last season with 19 goals and has found the net in eight consecutive league matches. He has provided the side with a reliable source of breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Fabio Silva could return after recovering well from an adductor problem.

Mainz enter the fixture with renewed spirit after dismantling Augsburg 4-1 in their last match. It was a result that snapped a frustrating winless run and gave supporters fresh optimism. Their record across the opening weeks shows one win, two draws, and two defeats.

However, the hosts face significant setbacks in terms of personnel. Captain Dominik Kohr is suspended following his dismissal against Freiburg, while defensive options are stretched with Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Moritz Jenz both ruled out through injury. These absences are likely to shape the way Mainz approach the match, especially against an opponent as attack-minded as Dortmund.

Even so, Mainz have reason to believe going into this contest. Their recent history against Dortmund is balanced, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats in the last six Bundesliga meetings. They are far from overawed by the occasion.

Moreover, Mainz have beaten Dortmund in each of their last two home clashes. This trend will give them confidence in producing another upset. The mix of strong home form and Dortmund’s defensive lapses suggests the contest may be more balanced than the league table shows.

🔢 Verdienter Sieg – 10 Punkte aus 4 Spielen 🙌#BVBWOB pic.twitter.com/gqwb8p406M

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) September 21, 2025

While Dortmund carry the stronger form and greater individual quality, Mainz’s attacking verve from the Augsburg match, combined with their resilience at home, leaves room for a genuinely competitive battle. With Guirassy in prolific form and Mainz eager to extend their strong home run against Dortmund, this match could bring both goals and tension.

KickOff:

• Location: Mainz, Germany
• Stadium: Mewa Arena
• Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 7 pm IST (13:30 UTC)
• Referee: Not yet announced for the upcoming fixture.
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Mainz (In Bundesliga): W-L-D-L

Borussia Dortmund (In Bundesliga): W-W-W-D

Players To Watch:

Paul Nebel (Mainz):

Paul Nebel, 22 years old, has become Mainz’s key attacking threat with one goal in two Bundesliga matches this season. His pressing forces errors, while his incisive passes create chances. Confident and tireless, he drives attacks and lifts teammates.

Mainz’s buildup revolves around him, which makes him the decisive figure to watch.

🇩🇪 Our very own Paul Nebel is named in the senior Germany squad for the very first time! 🤩Well deserved, Paul 👏#Mainz05 pic.twitter.com/BhUzcL5QoY

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) August 27, 2025

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund):

Karim Adeyemi continues to drive Borussia Dortmund forward with his sharp pace and relentless direct play, providing goals and a constant attacking threat. He scored the decisive strike against Wolfsburg, proving his value in key moments. As Dortmund face Mainz, his influence may again shape their attacking rhythm and maintain momentum.

Adeyemi has scored one goal and provided one assist in four Bundesliga games so far in the 2025/26 season.

Karim Adeyemi, ein Kämpfer. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/WKBsjofSg5

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) May 3, 2024

Match Facts:

• Mainz have lost their last two home Bundesliga matches without scoring a goal.
• Borussia Dortmund remain undefeated in the Bundesliga this season, with three wins and one draw in their first four matches.
• Mainz captain Dominik Kohr is suspended for this match after receiving a red card in their last game. 

Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund Betting Tips and Odds:

• Borussia Dortmund to win: 2.19 as per 1Win.
• Both teams to score – Yes: 1.50 as per Paripesa.
• Under 3.5 goals: 1.62 as per Winmatch.

Note: Odds are subject to constant changes

Injuries and Team News:

Mainz:

Mainz 05 face a difficult situation as they prepare for their next fixture, with several important players missing. Captain Dominik Kohr will serve a suspension after a red card in the previous game, while defender Anthony Caci misses action with a tendon injury until 2026.

Young prospect Maxim Dal continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament problem he suffered in May. However, Jae-sung Lee has returned to training and should play in the upcoming match.

Borussia Dortmund:

Borussia Dortmund face their next test with several players missing. This creates further concerns for the coaching staff. Julien Duranville continues his recovery after surgery on a shoulder injury he sustained in July, while Niklas Süle misses action as he deals with a muscle problem from August.

Meanwhile, Emre Can still faces uncertainty because of illness, while Cole Campbell adds to the absentees as he joins his national side on international duty.

Head-To-Head Stats:

Total matches: 41

Mainz won: 8

Borussia Dortmund won: 22

Draws: 11

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Mainz Predicted Starting Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Zenter; Costa, Bell, Hanche-Olsen; Widmer, Amiri, Sano, Mwene; Nebel, Nordin; Sieb

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Starting Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Beyer; Guirassy

Match Prediction:

Despite Mainz winning their last two home meetings with Dortmund, the visitors arrive with stronger form, claiming three victories and a draw from four league matches. Meanwhile, Mainz struggle for consistency, and the suspension of captain Dominik Kohr adds another obstacle as they try to resist Dortmund’s momentum. So, we expect Borussia Dortmund to win this game.

Prediction: Mainz 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Telecast Details

India: Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports, BBC, Amazon 

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: StarTimes, Canal+

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