0-0, 1-1, 0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-0, 1-0 – the last eight meetings between SC Freiburg and 1. FSV Mainz 05 suggest that fans can expect another closely contested encounter on Saturday. With around 33,000 spectators expected at Mainz’s Mewa Arena, a single goal could well prove decisive. More than 3,300 Freiburg fans will be travelling to support their team, with the away section sold out.

Few would have predicted the current situation in the Bundesliga table after 25 matchdays, as Julian Schuster acknowledges: “I don’t think many people saw this coming.” Both Freiburg and Mainz are on strong runs of form, conceding very few goals and putting their faith in homegrown players. “I can definitely see some similarities between the two teams – they both put in a lot of effort, show strong cohesion, and really work hard for each other,” says Schuster.

Röhl still sidelined

Freiburg’s upcoming opponents not only possess plenty of individual quality – Jonathan Burkardt and Nadiem Amiri have both been called up to the Germany squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy – but also demonstrate a physical edge that occasionally pushes the boundaries of the rules. Only two teams have committed more fouls this season than Bo Henriksen’s side, and only three clubs have received more yellow cards.

“There’s always been a high intensity when we’ve played Mainz,” says Schuster. “We’ve prepared all week to ensure we’re ready to meet that challenge head-on. We’ll need to be physically tough.” SC can take confidence from their recent draw against Augsburg, a similarly robust side that won away at Dortmund last time out. “We performed well there too, and we can build on that,” Schuster adds.

Visit to U19s' cup tie planned

Merlin Röhl will not make the trip to Mainz, as the midfielder continues to struggle with heel pain. “He’s still feeling discomfort, which means he needs to rest a little longer,” explains the boss. “We’re hopeful he’ll be available again after the international break.” Aside from Röhl, the Freiburg coaching team has a full squad to choose from. Florent Muslija and Manuel Gulde are also edging closer to peak fitness. Both featured for 90 minutes in last Sunday’s 3-2 win for Freiburg’s U23 side against FC Homburg, with Muslija scoring a header to make it 2-2.

Despite an intense week of training, Thursday’s session saw reduced numbers on the pitch. “We’ve had two demanding days with good work on the training ground, so it’s actually a positive sign that many players took the chance to recover today,” says Schuster.

Freiburg’s coaching staff have scheduled Sunday morning’s recovery session earlier than usual, giving the players the opportunity to watch the U19s’ DFB-Pokal semi-final against Werder Bremen at the Möslestadion (11:00 CET kick-off). There will be a familiar face on the Bremen touchline; former Freiburg player Cedric Makiadi is currently coaching Werder’s youth side.

Photo: Achim Keller