Our Opponent: Hannover 96

Our 05ers have already traveled to the capital of Lower Saxony and came back winners four times. Three times in the Second Liga and once in a DFB Cup match in October 2011. The 1. FSV Mainz 05 has never won a first league Bundesliga match at Hannover 96. The 05ers are going to be facing a tough opponent who is even tougher at home.

Coach Thomas Tuchel has plenty of respect for the upcoming opposite side. “Hannover 96 is a very physical, robust and goal-oriented team. They have a very strong attack.” The 05ers are expecting a real challenge in the HDI Arena. “We're expecting two strikers, Artur Sobiech and Mame Diouf. One of their key players, Leon Andreasen is also back. He's solid in duels, emotional, and a goal threat. Togethter with Lars Stindl, they make an above average midfield duo.”

Hannover's coach Mirko Slomka won't be able to call on the talents of Steven Cherundolo (recovering from knee surgery) or Christian Pander. The Brazilians Felipe and Franca are also still not fit for match play. And Szabolcs Hustzi is also still ineligible due to his red card. This year's 96er squad looks a bit different than last season's. The central defense is made up of new acquisitions Marcelo (PSV Eindhoven) and Salif Sané (AS Nancy). Edgar Prib (Greuther Fürth) and Leonardo Bittencourt (Borussia Dortmund) are candidates for starting spots in the midfield. But Slomka has plenty of quality alternatives like Didier Ya Konan or Jan Schlaudraff, giving generous supply of tricks up his sleeve.