With an opening half an hour worthy of improvement, a disallowed goals and a second half to build on last time out against Köln, SC will be looking forward to getting back to winning ways following the narrow defeat last weekend. Christian Streich is still undecided on whether there will be any changes to the teamsheet. “We may well change the starting XI, also because we have fewer injuries and some players that aren’t always playing regularly. You always want to give such players a chance and in doing so keeping the motivation in the team high.”

Streich’s side take on another side having a good season, like themselves, in Mainz  05. After a slow start to the new year, which included being knocked out of the DFB-Pokal against Bochum and a 2-1 loss in Fürth, Bo Svensson’s team got things back on track with a 2-0 home win against Hoffenheim last time out. “Mainz operate with dynamism and physicality. They’re always looking for the chance to play long balls to their very fast attack. They defend well in their 5-3-2 and attack quickly after winning the ball. Their three central defenders are very physical and aggressive,” said Streich on the upcoming opposition.

Decided by the small things

In terms of his side’s own performance, Streich is looking for three things. “It will be an intense game. We need to match their dynamism and I hope we can also show off our game. It will be a real test for us to assert ourselves. We need to be very alert, especially with the long ball. The two forwards are always banking on it.” Captain Christian Günter and his teammates are up for the test. “The team are really motivated to come out on top on Saturday,” said Streich, who is not expecting a flurry of goals between two good defences (Freiburg has the third best defence with 24 conceded goals, Mainz second best with 23). “It’s likely that there won’t be too many goalscoring opportunities, because we both defend well. Nuances will decide the game.”
Lucas Höler, who represented Mainz in the 2014/15 and 2016/17 seasons, is also expecting the game to come down to the minor details. “I think it will be a hard-fought game. Both teams are in good positions in the table and want to keep that up. Games against Mainz are always difficult.”

Support from the stands

For the first time since the home game against Eintracht Franfkurt in November, more than 750 fans will be allowed inside the Europa-Park Stadion. 10,000 fans will be in attendance to support the team as they take on Mainz, and the head coach is pleased. “Finally, more fans will be there again. That’s great and creates an atmosphere. In Cologne there was also a decent atmosphere in the stadium. That will do us good and I hope that it will be a big motivation. The people are fully behind us. I hope they’re up for singing and will be loud in their support for us. That always helps the home team.”
Freiburg will definitely be without Keven Schlotterbeck, who is in self-isolation after a positive Coronavirus test. The rest of the squad should be available, including Jonathan Schmid, who played ten minutes last weekend against Köln for the first time since contracting the virus.