Schott Mainz vs Borussia Mönchengladbach – News and Probable Lineups

Borussia Monchengladbach will be visiting Mewa Arena for a fixture against Schott Mainz in the opening round of the DFB-Pokal on Sunday.

The enthusiasm for this match was so great that Mainz 05’s stadium was chosen as the venue, although Schott Mainz will still enjoy a significant level of support from their fans, who will need to make their presence felt if they wish to overcome Gladbach.

Match overview

As they compete in the Regionalliga Southwest, Schott Mainz is currently three divisions below Gladbach and faces a formidable challenge on the weekend.

Head coach Sascha Meeth will be satisfied with the start his squad has made in the 2026-27 league season, sitting at the top with 10 points from a possible 12, and his players getting on the scoresheet 12 times while conceding four in the fourth tier thus far.

The club does not have a rich history in the DFB-Pokal, as this will mark only their fourth appearance in the tournament, and they have faced elimination in the first round each time.

Their latest defeat in the competition was a 2-0 loss to Greuther Furth in 2025-26, and in their three cup exits, they have an aggregate score of 11-1 against them.

Borussia Monchengladbach has had a successful pre-season, winning all six friendlies this summer, and they are expected to aim for an improvement in their top-flight performances.

Die Fohlen finished in 12th place in the Bundesliga in the 2025-26 season with only 38 points, finishing just nine points clear of the relegation playoff position.

It was somewhat unexpected when Eugen Polanski was given a permanent role in November 2025 after just two months in a temporary capacity, and his overall record since taking charge now includes 10 wins, 10 draws, and 13 losses.

Gladbach reached the round of 16 in the DFB-Pokal last season, and a defeat on Sunday would mark their first exit in the first round of the tournament in 13 seasons.

Polanski’s team ended the 2025-26 campaign without a win in their last 11 away matches, during which they suffered seven defeats.

Team News

Schott Mainz’s goalkeeper Robin Balters will require central defenders Jan Just, Dominik Ahlbach, and Nils Gans to perform at their best this weekend.

Fabian Messina may need to temper his forward play and drop deeper to form a midfield trio alongside Jost Mairose and Ismael Wiegand.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s forward Tim Kleindienst will be keen to find the target this season, with support expected from wingers Robin Hack and Franck Honorat.

Even though he is only 18, Mathieu Nguefack remains an option for the midfield, with the presence of veteran Philipp Sander likely to be beneficial.

Central defender Kevin Diks may partner Jan Leszczynski in a four-man backline, with both expected to defend in front of goalkeeper Jan Olschowsky.

Schott Mainz probable starting XI:

Balters; Just, Ahlbach, Gans; Robotta, Wiegand, Mairose, Messina, Schwarz; Itoi, W’Okitasombo

Borussia Monchengladbach probable starting XI:

Olschowsky; Hashioka, Diks, Leszczynski, Herold; Sander, Nguefack; Honorat, Bolin, Hack; Small service

While the visitors faced consistent challenges on the road last season, it’s hard to picture them losing to Schott Mainz.

The disparity in quality between the home side and Gladbach is substantial, so while Schott Mainz may enjoy a few memorable moments on Sunday, anything less than a decisive victory for the away side would be surprising.