Saturday 20/09/2014, 19:30, Germany Bundesliga, Round 4, Mainz vs Dortmund
Mainz vs Dortmund Preview
Things are heating up in the Bundesliga, with several teams challenging the reigning champions for the lead and Dortmund is one of the them. Unlike last season when only a handful of squads showed the strength needed to make a deep run, in 2014 there are a few willing to take a leap of faith. Mainz has lower expectations but tremendous confidence in its ability of winning home games, including the one played tonight against Borussia.
Mainz vs Dortmund Odds
Mainz 5.60, Draw 4.20, Dortmund 1.60
Mainz vs Dortmund Tips
The visitors won the Champions League match against Arsenal and is on the verge of extending the winning streak to four games in a row. They desperately need the points after going down without a real fight in the opening match of the Bundesliga. Leverkusen made short work of their defenses and scored twice on the road while denying them a chance to score.
Klopp was clearly unimpressed by that defeat because he stuck to the same starting formation in all of the subsequent games. The same 11 player will appear tonight as the match starts and Immobile will spearhead the offensive, doubled by Mkhitarian.
A very dangerous player is Aumebeyang who scored against Arsenal earlier this week and the visitors would also be wise to block Ramos. The Colombian scored twice in two games played and he frequently joins the Italian striker, so Dortmund will pack quite an offensive punch.
Mainz is a formidable defensive team and the midfield is the best asset, but in front of the fans, they rarely defend the scoreless draw. They had to settle for one point two weeks ago and would gladly accept another draw this evening, just because Dortmund is such a strong contender.
Key Facts
- Okazaki and Allagui will play upfront for Mainz, with both of them being 28 and having a 1:1 ratio in terms of goals scored and games played
- Dortmund barely won on the road this season, struggling against lowly Augsburg
Mainz vs Dortmund Prediction
The visitors are favorites to win, but value is with the hosts, who are given excellent odds by Pinnacle Sports to win or draw. Those who fear that Dortmund might get away with yet another narrow margin win on the road, should take the cover of a 1:0 Asian Handicap. This will return the stakes if the visiting team win exactly by one goal.
Bet: Mainz +1.00 goals @ 1.70 with Pinnacle Sports
