1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. SC Paderborn 07 preview: 05ers entertain newcomers SCP

Newcomers Paderborn will start their Bundesliga campaign away at last season’s Conference League quarter-finalists Mainz.

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Mainz 05 will host newly-promoted Paderborn in the opening matchday of the Bundesliga season. The 05ers are unbeaten in six head-to-head meetings with Paderborn before Saturday’s clash.

Mainz 05

Urs Fischer not only eased the relegation scare at Mainz, but the minnows had a memorable Europa Conference League run last season. Mainz will now aim to continue their progress with the Swiss coach’s first full season at the club.

There are no panic moves in the transfer market by Mainz as they did their business early in the window. Kaishu Sano and injured Paul Nebel are set to stay unless they receive mega offers in the next few days, while Nadiem Amiri ended speculation by confirming his stay.

Team News

Phillip Tietz reflected his fine pre-season form by scoring four goals in the first competitive game of the season in the DFB-Pokal last week. There is a huge possibility that Fischer will have no newcomers in his starting lineup for the opening league game of the season.

SC Paderborn

Paderborn were relegated back to 2. Bundesliga in their first two Bundesliga seasons so far, with the last being in the 2019/20 season. Ralf Kettemann will hope for a different outcome with his attack-minded playing style.

The Blue-Blacks needed a playoff tie after finishing third in 2. Bundesliga last term. An extra-time victory over Wolfsburg secured their spot in place of the club who have never faced relegation from Bundesliga until that point.

Team News

Marvin Pieringer returned to the club this week after a three-year Bundesliga spell with Heidenheim. The striker and former Bayern attacker Gabriel Vidović are expected to be named in Kettemann’s first Bundesliga lineup. Sven Michel, who scored five goals in Padborn’s last Bundesliga campaign, is on the sidelines due to an adductor injury.

Head-to-head

After six seasons, the two clubs are finally in the same division. Mainz recorded four wins and two draws in their six encounters against Paderborn so far, including two victories by five-goal margins. Paderborn's first-ever Bundesliga game was a 2-2 draw with Mainz back in the 2014/15 season.

Predicted Lineups

Click here to find the predicted lineups for Mainz 05 vs. SC Paderborn.