Mainz 05 favored in the Rhine-Main derby, Eintracht Frankfurt in crisis

On Saturday at 15:30, Eintracht Frankfurt meets Mainz 05 in the Rhine‑Main derby, with the Sportschau‑Bundesliga‑Update describing the Frankfurt side as being in a crisis and viewing Mainz, after a convincing 5:0 win in Hamburg, as clear favourites. The analysis also emphasizes the ongoing defensive problems and the lack of a clear leadership figure at Frankfurt.

Mainz as clear favourites

The Sportschau‑Bundesliga‑Update team sees Mainz 05 as the favourite in the Rhine‑Main derby against Eintracht Frankfurt – not only because of the convincing Mainz 5:0 victory in Hamburg, but also because of the displayed quality of play. Mainz go into the duel confidently, which will be broadcast on the Sportschau audio stream on Saturday at 15:30. Bookmakers also back Mainz, further reinforcing the expectations.

Sportschau host Tobi Schäfer explains: “The Mainz side are in excellent form, also started the season superbly, so the favourite role is clearly allocated.” Update host Lisa Tellers also agrees: “In Mainz a core has emerged that enjoys playing football together, and with Sheraldo Becker coach Urs Fischer has a player who fits perfectly into his system.”

Defensive problems and missing leadership

Tobi Schäfer raises a three‑man backline at SGE for discussion: “They have already conceded seven goals after two games and were already part of the shooting gallery last season. With Baum and Kosugi as full‑backs it has not worked so far.” The Frankfurt side also struggle with weaknesses in central defence, which deepens the problems.

Lisa Tellers questions whether a coach who prefers a four‑man defence should abandon his principles after only two matchdays, especially as Eintracht are not well set up in defence even with centre‑backs. She also criticises the lack of a clear axis: Robin Koch has not been the hoped‑for captain for years, Mario Götze is not a spokesperson, and Jonathan Burkardt, once captain at Mainz, has not taken on the expected leadership role in Frankfurt.

The missing leadership player is replaced by Timothy Chandler, whom Tobi Schäfer proposes as a potential character leader: “He is certainly someone who can lead by character, even if his playing days are essentially over.” At the same time, Eintracht have split from his athletic trainer, which is cited as the reason for the lack of fitness that led to the slump in the first two games. Lisa Tellers attributes the lack of resilience to missing focus, concentration and the resulting individual mistakes.

The podcast format of the Sportschau‑Bundesliga‑Update is available on ARD Sounds, wherever podcasts are offered, and on the Sportschau football channel on YouTube. New episodes are released on Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings, so the team provides the most important information about the Bundesliga.