The ninth matchday of the Bundesliga brings a high-stakes fixture for the hosts as struggling 1. FSV Mainz 05 welcome SV Werder Bremen to the Mewa Arena. This clash pits a team desperate to climb out of the relegation playoff spot against an opponent looking to consolidate their position in the upper half of the table. For Mainz, the pressure is immense to secure their first home league win of the season and end a worrying run of form. Werder Bremen, meanwhile, will be aiming to extend their recent positive momentum against a fragile opponent.
Match Details
CompetitionDateKick-off (IST)VenueBundesliga, Matchday 9Saturday, November 1, 20257:30 PMMewa Arena, Mainz
Team Form and Analysis for 1. FSV Mainz 05
Overall Context and Domestic Form
Mainz 05 are currently in the midst of a disastrous start to their Bundesliga campaign. They occupy 16th position in the league table, which is the relegation playoff spot, having amassed just four points from their opening eight fixtures. Their form has plummeted, with the team coming into this match on a streak of four consecutive league defeats. Worryingly for manager Bo Henriksen, the team’s home form is a serious cause for concern, as they have lost all four of their Bundesliga fixtures at the Mewa Arena this season. This is a stark contrast to their strong home record in the previous campaign and signals a major decline. Their recent DFB-Pokal exit also compounds the feeling of crisis around the club. The main issues stem from a porous defence, which has conceded 12 goals in their last five outings, and a lack of clinical finishing in attack.
Key Player for Mainz 05
The creative spark for the 05ers largely comes from Nadiem Amiri. The midfielder is the team’s top scorer this season and his influence in linking the midfield to the attack, along with his dead-ball delivery, will be crucial. His ability to create chances in the final third will be vital if Mainz is to break down the Bremen defence.
Team Form and Analysis for SV Werder Bremen
Overall Context and Domestic Form
Werder Bremen have enjoyed a more positive start to the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season. They sit in 9th position with 11 points from eight games, demonstrating a clear improvement in stability under their coach Horst Steffen. After a shaky opening to the campaign, Die Werderaner appear to have found their rhythm, entering this match unbeaten in their last three league fixtures, winning two of those games. Their most recent result was a solid 1-0 home victory against Union Berlin. The team has shown a collective offensive threat, with goals coming from across the squad, which makes them less reliant on a single player for inspiration. Their growing defensive organisation has been key to their recent upturn in results.
Key Player for Werder Bremen
Striker Victor Boniface is expected to spearhead the Werder Bremen attack. While the forward’s overall contributions have been strong, the team’s collective goal-scoring approach means that midfielder Romano Schmid is also pivotal. Schmid’s role in the number 10 position provides creativity and link-up play, which is essential for launching attacks and exploiting space behind the Mainz defence.
Head-to-Head Record and Historical Context
The recent history between these two clubs heavily favours the visiting side. Werder Bremen have had the upper hand in their recent clashes, having won the last four meetings against Mainz 05 in all competitions. Furthermore, Mainz has failed to beat Bremen at the Mewa Arena in their last four attempts. This historical dominance will give the visitors a psychological edge heading into Saturday’s encounter.
Players to Watch
TeamPlayerRoleDescriptionMainz 05Nadiem AmiriMidfielderThe primary creative force and top scorer. His free-kicks and overall playmaking ability will be central to Mainz’s attack.Mainz 05Paul NebelAttackerA hard-working player who provides pace and a direct threat. He needs to convert his potential into goals to relieve pressure on the team.Werder BremenVictor BonifaceStrikerThe powerful focal point of the attack. His hold-up play and ability to create chances for others will be crucial against a vulnerable defence.Werder BremenRomano SchmidMidfielderOperates in the central attacking role, linking midfield and attack. His vision and technical skill are key to unlocking opposing defenses.
Injury Report and Team News
Mainz 05 Team News
Mainz manager Bo Henriksen will be without Anthony Caci (Gluteal Strain) and Maxim Dal (Knee issue) for this fixture. Defender Danny da Costa is likely to return to the starting lineup after being rotated in the midweek cup match. The manager is expected to make a few changes in the frontline to try and inject some much-needed energy.
Out: Anthony Caci, Maxim Dal
Werder Bremen Team News
Werder Bremen have several players sidelined, including full-backs Felix Agu and Mitchell Weiser, as well as Olivier Deman and Maximilian Wöber. However, there is a possibility that Yukinari Sugawara will feature from the outset after his groin injury was deemed less severe than initially feared. Coach Horst Steffen is likely to stick with a largely unchanged lineup from their Matchday 8 victory.
Out: Felix Agu, Mitchell Weiser, Olivier Deman, Maximilian Wöber
Prediction
This match is a classic clash of form versus desperation. Mainz 05 is under immense pressure and their home record is abysmal, having lost four straight league games at the Mewa Arena. While desperation can sometimes breed an inspired performance, their defensive woes against a confident Bremen side are hard to overlook. Werder Bremen has momentum, a more stable system, and a favorable head-to-head record against Mainz. The hosts may find the net due to their urgent need for goals, but their defensive fragility suggests they are likely to concede multiple times. Werder Bremen’s collective attacking threat and recent defensive solidity should see them through.
Prediction: Mainz 05 1 – 2 Werder Bremen
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This Bundesliga match will be available to watch on various platforms depending on your geographical location. Please check your local listings for the most accurate broadcast information.
RegionPrimary Broadcaster/PlatformGermanySky Sport Bundesliga, DAZNUSAESPN+UKSky Sports FootballCanadaDAZNIndiaSony Sports Network, Sony LIV
The match is broadcast by various channels and streaming services globally
RegionTV Channel / Streaming ServiceItaly / UKDAZNUnited StatesParamount+ FOX DeportesCanadafuboTV CanadaLatin AmericaESPN Disney+
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
