Union Berlin vs FSV Mainz 05 Predictions

• Union Berlin finished fourth last season, 16 points ahead of Mainz.
• Union have made some impressive signings over the summer.
• Mainz lost four of their final five games last term, drawing the other.

Union can make winning start

Union Berlin enjoyed an exceptional campaign last term as they secured fourth spot in the Bundesliga and a Champions League place.

The capital club have made some eye-catching signings over the summer, landing Germany internationals Robin Gosens and Kevin Volland from Inter Milan and Monaco respectively, and they look well placed to push on this term.

Union entertain Mainz in the opening round of Bundesliga games and a home win is the standout pick for the main bet.

Stadion An der Alten Försterei a fortress

Union Berlin managed to go the whole season without losing a game at their Stadion An der Alten Försterei home in the Bundesliga last term, winning 11 of their 17 games.

Mainz had a reasonable road record, but they lost 2-1 at this venue and they failed to impress in their season opener – a 1-0 win over promoted Bundesliga 2 outfit Elversberg in the DfB Pokal.

Union hit the ground running in their own cup test as they overcame regional outfit Walldorf 4-0 away from home, and they can back that up by seeing off Mainz.

A 2-0 win for Union is the correct score pick as they managed four clean sheets in their final six home assignments last season, while Mainz drew blanks in two of their final three away league fixtures.

The Berlin club averaged 1.8 goals-per-game at home last season and had the joint best defensive record in the league, alongside Bayern Munich, so a job done 2-0 victory looks a reasonable option.

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