Preview:Dynamo Dresden vs Mainz 05 - prediction, team news, lineups

Mainz 05's 2025-26 DFB-Pokal campaign begins on Monday against 2. Bundesliga hosts Dynamo Dresden at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.

The second-tier side are fourth last in 15th place with no points after two matchweeks in their division, whereas Mainz's Bundesliga season will start on August 24 against FC Koln.

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Match preview

Dresden lost 2-1 against Magdeburg on August 9, and they were beaten 3-2 by Greuther Furth on August 3, ending matchweek two with the joint second-worst defensive record in the 2. Bundesliga.

Boss Thomas Stamm guided his side to promotion in 2024-25, with the club finishing second in the 3. Bundesliga and embarking on their first season in the second tier since 2019-20.

The hosts reached the second round of the DFB-Pokal last term and were eliminated when they lost 2-0 against Fortuna Dusseldorf in October 2024, but they have reached the second round in six of the past nine editions of the tournament.

Dynamo have drawn one and been beaten in three of their five most recent competitive outings, conceding seven goals while scoring seven times.

Stamm's team have only played one home match this campaign, and they have achieved victories in six of their last 10 at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, losing twice in those clashes.

The visitors enjoyed an exceptional 2024-25 in the top flight, finishing sixth with 52 points, seven places higher with 17 more points than they managed in 2023-24.

Mainz will also be playing in the Conference League should they navigate a qualifying tie against Rosenberg later in August.

Head coach Bo Henriksen oversaw a 4-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the second round of the DFB-Pokal last season in October, the second consecutive campaign that they were knocked out of the competition in the second round.

Karnevalsverein are unbeaten in their five friendlies, winning four and scoring on 17 occasions, though their return of 55 goals in the Bundesliga in 2024-25 was the joint fourth-worst record in the top 11.

Mainz's away performances have room for improvement, as while they ended their most recent season with a victory on the road against VfL Bochum, they lost six of their prior nine away trips.

Dynamo Dresden form (all competitions):

Mainz 05 friendly form:

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Team News

Dresden centre-backs Lukas Boeder and Lars Bunning are candidates to start in defence behind midfielders Kofi Jeremy Amoako and Vinko Sapina.

Creator Nils Froling is likely to be stationed as a number 10, while Dominik Kother and Jakob Lemmer may play out wide.

As for Mainz, goalkeeper Robin Zentner could be protected by a back three of Dominik Kohr, Danny da Costa and Maxim Leitsch.

Perhaps Henriksen will deploy a double pivot of Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri.

Forward Paul Nebel regularly featured last season, and he is one option to start up front on Monday.

Dynamo Dresden possible starting lineup:

Schreiber; Faber, Boeder, Bunning, Risch; Amoako, Sapina; Lemmer, Froling, Kother; Daferner

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Zentner; Kohr, Costa, Leitsch; Caci, Amiri, Sano, Mwene; Hollerbach, Nebel, Lee

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We say: Dynamo Dresden 0-2 Mainz 05

 

Dynamo Dresden have started the season in poor fashion, and they could struggle against their top-flight opponents.

Mainz's form in their friendly outings has been strong, and they will be confident that they can win on Monday against their 2. Bundesliga hosts.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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