Mainz 05 vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Can Dortmund continue their hot start?

After a shaky start to the Bundesliga season, Mainz finally found their rhythm last weekend with a resounding 4-1 away win at Augsburg – their first league victory of the campaign. The result lifted them to four points after four matches, good enough for 13th place in the table, and more importantly restored some much-needed confidence.

The standout performer was Kaishu Sano. The Japanese midfielder not only scored his first Bundesliga goal but also added two assists in a dominant display. Head coach Bo Henriksen also handed Armindo Sieb a surprise start up front, leaving Nelson Weiper on the bench. Sieb repaid that trust with a hungry performance and a goal, earning himself another start this weekend – confirmed by Henriksen in the lead up to the game.

But the victory came at a cost. On Monday, Mainz confirmed that Anthony Caci had suffered a muscle tendon injury in his thigh, ruling him out until at least early 2026. To compound matters, Dominik Kohr was sent off against Augsburg and will serve a suspension. With defensive reshuffling required, it was revealed many of the squad’s workloads had been carefully managed in training this week to avoid further setbacks.

Despite the absentees, Henriksen struck a defiant tone ahead of Dortmund’s visit: “We respect Dortmund, but we are not afraid of them and we know we will make it difficult for them, especially being at home where we can bring all the energy out onto the pitch.”

As previously mentioned, Caci and Kohr are unavailable, while Silvan Widmer faces a late fitness test. If he misses out, Nikolas Veratsching could be in line for his first start of the season, or Henriksen may shift Arnaud Nordin into a wing-back role should he opt for experience. 

On a more positive note, Jae-Sung Lee has returned to training and is available, while Benedict Hollerbach could make a return to the squad after returning to full training yesterday.

Dortmund have started the season in strong fashion, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 to sit second in the table, just two points behind leaders Bayern. It’s their best opening to a Bundesliga campaign in eight years, and head coach Niko Kovac will be keen to maintain the momentum.