Mainz vs Werder Bremen
Bundesliga
Saturday
3rd February 2024
Coface Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Mainz and Werder Bremen.
Mainz vs Werder Bremen: Preview
Mainz form analysis
Mainz’s recent results have showcased a strong defense but significant struggles generating offense without injured striker Karim Onisiwo. On December 10th, Mainz earned a gritty goalless draw away to FC Cologne despite losing Onisiwo early to injury. Scoring issues persisted four days later, falling 1-0 at home to 2. Mainz did find the net on December 20th against Borussia Dortmund, but needed a set piece goal from center back Stefan van den Berg to equalize in an eventual 1-1 away draw.
The lack of chance creation surfaced again on January 13th during a 1-1 home draw with Wolfsburg, with veteran wingback Silvan Widmer salvaging another point. Most recently on January 27th, Mainz fell 1-0 away to top four chasing Eintracht Frankfurt with minimal attacking threat. Signing an attacking midfielder capable of leading the line could spark improvement.
Werder Bremen form analysis
Werder Bremen’s recent results have highlighted an impressive attacking core but lingering issues defensively consistently undermining their competitiveness. On December 16th, Bremen fought back twice to earn a 2-2 away draw at Borussia Monchengladbach with Colombian striker Rafael Borre netting early before Marvin Ducksch equalized late. However, defensive issues surfaced days later as they conceded late to draw 1-1 at home against RB Leipzig despite January signing Jennifer Njinmah equalizing.
Solidity at the back remained a problem on January 14th away at struggling Bochum, again requiring a 90th minute Nick Stark equalizer to rescue a point. But Bremen produced their best performance of the season on January 21st, stunning giants Bayern Munich 1-0 through Mitchell Weiser’s timely strike. Most recently on January 27th it was more uneven defending in an eventual 3-1 home win over Freiburg. So while boasting enviable talent in attack, cutting defensive mistakes out is vital if the manager is to lead Werder to improvement.
