Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. 1. FSV Mainz 05 preview: Die Fohlen looking to ease relegation concerns at Borussia-Park

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. 1. FSV Mainz 05 preview: Die Fohlen looking to ease relegation concerns at Borussia-Park

Gladbach head into this encounter looking to complete their first league double over Mainz since the 2019/20 campaign, while also creating some much-needed breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone. The visitors, meanwhile, arrive hoping to bounce back from a bruising European setback.

It has been something of a rollercoaster spell for Gladbach under Eugen Polanski. After an impressive run that appeared to stabilise the club and earn him the role on a permanent basis, results have since dipped sharply. Just two wins from 14 league matches in 2026 has dragged Die Fohlen back into trouble, leaving them 14th and only five points clear of the relegation play-off spot.

Their latest outing ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat away to RB Leipzig. Goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas delivered a standout performance, making 11 saves to keep his side in the contest for long periods, but they eventually succumbed late on.

Polanski acknowledged the pressure heading into Sunday’s clash:

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking at the table. That’s only natural with so few games left in the season. Even so, we need to focus on ourselves, put in a good performance, show real fight and passion, and do everything we can to take the three points.”

Mainz, by contrast, have enjoyed a resurgence under Urs Fischer, climbing clear of danger and collecting 10 points from their last five league matches. Prior to their defeat against Freiburg, they had gone nine games unbeaten in all competitions and now sit ninth in the table.