Mainz 05 vs. Zrinjski Mostar preview: Team news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

Mainz 05

After a professional 0-1 victory away to Omonia Nicosia on matchday one, Mainz’s domestic struggles have quickly resurfaced. Consecutive Bundesliga defeats - with eight goals conceded across those two games - have once again exposed their defensive frailties. Bo Henriksen will be desperate for a response if his side are to preserve their perfect group phase record.

Last time out, Mainz fell 3-4 at home to Bayer Leverkusen in a chaotic encounter. While there were improvements in attack and spirit - the 05ers twice clawing back to within a goal - they were ultimately undone by lapses in concentration and careless play in possession, gifting Leverkusen several of their chances.

Goalkeeper Robin Zentner has called for Thursday’s clash to be a turning point: "So far, we haven't been on the right track there as we'd like to be - so a game in the Conference League can help us get back into the swing of things – we want to get a good feeling." Head coach Bo Henriksen also underlined his confidence: “We are favorites, and with six points we would be in a good position to advance to the next round.”

One potential positive for Mainz fans is the inclusion of 18-year-old defender Kacper Potulski. The youngster impressed on his debut in Nicosia and, given Mainz’s current defensive woes, could be handed another chance to shine. Another strong performance could see him establish himself more firmly in Henriksen’s plans.

Team news: 

Robin Zentner is set to return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension at the weekend. Long-term absentees Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal remain sidelined, while Nelson Weiper and Maxim Leitsch are doubts after missing the last game through illness.

Zrinjski Mostar 

Reigning Bosnian champions and record nine-time title holders Zrinjski Mostar travel to Mainz in buoyant mood. The timing of the fixture could hardly be better, as they face a Mainz side still reeling from a run of poor domestic results and growing unease around the club.

For Zrinjski, though, there is no such concern. Igor Štimac’s men are unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions, conceding just two goals in that period - a testament to their defensive organisation and discipline. That solidity will be key again as they look to frustrate their German hosts and spring an upset.

Zrinjski entered the Conference League after falling out of the Champions League against Slovan Bratislava and later the Europa League versus FC Utrecht - where they held the Dutch side to a 0-0 draw in the Netherlands. They currently sit atop the group phase following a commanding 5-0 win over Lincoln Red Imps on matchday one.

Igor Štimac has urged his side to embrace the occasion: “Let them first see how many chessboards and Croatian people there are in the stands, let them feel the energy. This match should be seen as a reward for many years of successful work. With Utrecht we showed that we can compete with those stronger than us and it will be the same in Mainz.”

Team news: 

Tyler Burey and Tomislav Kiš are both expected to miss out for the visitors.

Predicted lineups

Mainz 05 (3-4-2-1): Zentner (GK) - Potulski, Hanche-Olsen, da Costa - Veratschnig, Sano, Amiri, Mwene - Nordin, Nebel - Sieb 

Zrinjski Mostar (4-2-3-1): Karačić (GK) - Vranjković, Jakovljević, Dujmović, Mamić - Djurasek, Savić - Abramović, Ivancić, Ćuže - Bilbija