Mainz 05 vs. Borussia Dortmund: Time, TV Schedule and game preview

This mismatch on paper might have come at an opportune time for Mainz. Borussia Dortmund snatched a tremendous result at midweek against Arsenal, but the thin squad of the Schwarzgelben could have trouble translating that into success at the weekend.

Mainz has become the thorn of the Bundesliga, punishing those who try to grasp a result away from them. They have hung around the mid table since their promotion in 2009, even qualifying for the Europa League twice. Mainz are unbeaten in their last five fixtures in Coface Arena, but did struggle with Champions League sides a year ago.

Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp continues to find a way to field a respectable team even though the core of his squad is depleted. He has fully integrated his new signings, and they have become crucial to keeping Dortmund afloat. They enter this match just one point behind the triumvirate of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Hannover 96, and look to advance their occupation of the top of the table with another victory.

Key Player: Shinji Okazaki (Mainz)

Since the Japanese international entered the fold from Stuttgart, he has become a key cog in Mainz’s attacking success. Both Thomas Tuchel and Kasper Hjulmand have figured out that Okazaki’s most comfortable home is at the top of the formation, whether by himself or with a partner. He has churned out Mainz’s scoring production, scoring five goals in six matches in all competition. A depleted Dortmund holding midfield could allow Johannes Geis and Jonas Baumgartlinger to find him on penetrating runs, shocking the Schwarzgelben in a detrimental way.

Key Matchup: Stefan Bell/Niko Bungert vs. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang/Ciro Immobile

Hjulmand called upon Bell to fill in for captain Nicolce Noveski at center back, and Mainz have given up just one goal in two matches since. Mainz has relied on a tight midfield to assist the back, but ultimately Bell and Bungert will have to deal with the terrifying Dortmund breaks. Klopp has used both Aubameyang and Immobile separately and together. Both have shown flashes, but have been absent in crucial moments of the match before. Whichever duo shows up with the bigger poise on the pitch could decide the direction of the match.

Mainz injuries and suspensions

Out: Julian Koch (muscle problems), Nicolce Noveski (knee), Park Joo-Ho (international duty), Petar Slišković (knee)In Doubt: Koo Ja-Cheol (muscle problems)

Dortmund injuries and suspensions

Out: Jakub Blaszczykowski (muscle tear), Ilkay Gündogan (back), Mats Hummels (fitness), Oliver Kirch (muscle tear), Marco Reus (ankle), Nuri Şahin (knee) In Doubt: Sebastian Kehl (groin), Łukasz Piszczek (thigh), Neven Subotić (groin)

When it comes to injury narratives, there is no sadder tale than the Borussia Dortmund of the past year and a half. Even so, they find a way to put on a solid performance when they need to. Without Piszczek in the side, Erik Durm will move from the left to the right to make room for Marcel Schmelzer. Hummels is still not fit enough for match action, but Matthias Ginter has done an adequate job in his place.

The only regular out for Mainz is Noveski, although Koo’s presence in behind Okazaki will be missed. Filip Đuričić, who Mainz acquired from SL Benfica, can substitute in the hole, but his presence will limit the dynamism of Mainz’s attack.

Match Date/Time: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Coface Arena, Mainz, Germany

TV: GolTV (US and Canada), BT Sport 1 (UK), Sky Bundesliga 1 (Germany)

Online: BT Sport (UK), Sky Go (Germany)

Listings from LiveSoccerTV