Mainz vs Werder Bremen Preview: Battle of the strikers

Mainz host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon, with both sides seeking crucial points to advance up the table. Fifth-placed Mainz are aiming for their first home win of the season behind in-form striker Phillip Tietz, who has five goals in six league games. Meanwhile, eighth-placed Bremen rely on Bundesliga top scorer Niclas Füllkrug, who currently has six goals during his loan spell back at the club.

Bremen enter the match having overcome two-goal deficits in three consecutive games, including a recent 2-2 draw with Paderborn. However, both managers face squad challenges; Mainz manager Urs Fischer will be without Dominik Kohr, Otto Ruoppi, Silas, and Robin Zentner, while Bremen coach Daniel Thioune contends with an extensive injury list featuring Felix Agu, Jens Stage, and Niklas Stark.