Borussia Monchengladbach will hope to close the gap to the Bundesliga's Champions League qualification spots when they welcome Mainz 05 to Borussia Park on Friday.
Die Fohlen overcame Heidenheim 3-0 last Saturday and are eighth in the table with 37 points, four points fewer than fourth-placed Mainz, who defeated RB Leipzig 2-1 on March 1 and occupy the final Champions League spot in the Bundesliga.
Match preview
© Imago
The hosts were fortunate to keep a clean sheet against Heidenheim considering they faced 12 shots from inside the penalty area and were saved by the woodwork on one occasion, while Patrick Mainka squandered a golden chance from a set piece in the 54th minute which would have levelled the score.
Borussia Monchengladbach have only prevented their opponents from scoring twice in their last 13 outings in all competitions, and it should be noted that their figure of 44.1 xG conceded in the top flight is the second-worst return of any club this season.
Head coach Gerardo Seoane oversaw a 1-1 draw with Mainz in the reverse fixture on October 25, extending his side's winless streak against the visitors to eight games, with the clubs drawing their last three meetings.
Borussia Monchengladbach come into the game in strong form having triumphed in four of their past six matches while losing just once in that time.
However, Seoane's team have not been as consistent at home considering they have lost two, drawn two and won two of their six most recent games.
© Imago
As for Mainz, they had to come back from a first-minute deficit against Leipzig to claim all three points, and they should be praised for a strong second-half performance in which they created two big chances while limiting Die Roten Bullen to none.
Karnevalsverein had kept three clean sheets in their previous three matches, and their record of 25 goals conceded in the Bundesliga is only bettered by league-leaders Bayern Munich.
Just seven points separate 10th-placed Borussia Dortmund from third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, and boss Bo Henriksen will know that with the race for the Champions League spots being so tight, every point could be crucial.
Henriksen's side have triumphed in their last three games by a cumulative score of 6-1, though they lost three, drew one and won just one of their prior five.
While Mainz have achieved victory in their two most recent away outings, they lost their previous three on the road, only scoring one goal in that period.
Team News
© Imago
Borussia Monchengladbach will be unable to select defenders Joseph Scally or Ko Itakura due to suspension, while goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas will miss the rest of the season because of a groin injury.
The hosts may field a backline consisting of Stefan Lainer, Marvin Friedrich, Nico Elvedi and Lukas Ullrich in front of Jonas Omlin.
Midfielder Rocco Reitz is also unavailable, and his absence may mean Philipp Sander and Julian Weigl will start in the middle of the pitch.
Forwards Nathan N'Goumou, Alassane Plea and Robin Hack could support Tim Kleindienst given Franck Honorat has been ruled out.
Meanwhile, Mainz's only confirmed injury absentee is centre-back Stefan Bell, so expect Danny da Costa, Moritz Jenz and Dominik Kohr to appear in defence.
In midfield, Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri are almost certain to be stationed together in a double pivot.
Striker Jonathan Burkardt will likely play in front of a supporting cast featuring Paul Nebel and Jae-sung Lee.
Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:
Omlin; Lainer, Friedrich, Elvedi, Ullrich; Sander, Weigl; N'Goumou, Plea, Hack; Kleindienst
Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:
Zentner; Da Costa, Jenz, Kohr; Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Burkardt
We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Mainz 05
Mainz have been excellent defensively this campaign, and it would be surprising if they faced many chances.
Though Borussia Monchengladbach have been in better form of late, their recent record at home is mixed, and they could face many difficulties on Friday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
