FSV finished the first half of the season in January in 17th place on 12 points, ahead of 1. FC Heidenheim only on goal difference. Since then, former Union head coach Urs Fischer and his coaching staff have not only stabilised the team, but have shaped them into the league's sixth-best side in the second half of the season.  

Prominent names among the players on the pitch currently include Nadiem Amiri, Kaishu Sano, and Daniel Batz. Amiri is experiencing something of a renaissance in Mainz, particularly important to their attacking play as a passer and assist provider (four in all competitions), and leads the scoring list with 16 goals. Meanwhile, Kaishu Sano is the defensive anchor of the team and simultaneously the player with the most appearances and minutes this season. Goalkeeper, Batz has taken responsibility in the absences of Robin Zentner and Louis Babatz, and the 35-year-old has made the position his own for the last 20 games.

In 19 encounters, Union have won eight, while Mainz have won five. There have been six draws. The goal difference also favours Sunday's guests, 30 to 21.

One former Unioner is enduring a season to forget. Benedict Hollerbach, who played 65 times for Union over two years, tore his Achilles tendon in January and has been out since then. The Mainz leadership reacted to the absence by signing Sheraldo Becker, who played 140 times for Union from July 2019 to January 2024 He has already been involved in five goals since his arrival. Also there is Lennard Maloney, who was in Union's youth system until 2017 and eventually made his second division debut as a professional in 2018. 

On the sidelines, there will also be a special reunion on Sunday with Urs Fischer and his staff, including assistant coach Marcus Hoffmann and match and video analyst Sebastian Podsiadly.

Union's coaching team, led by head coach Marie-Louise Eta will have to do without the injured Frederik Rönnow, Matheo Raab, and David Preu on Sunday.

“We still have two games ahead of us and we want to approach both with full conviction positively," said Union head coach, Marie-Louise Eta, ahead of sunday's game. "In Mainz, it's important to take the first step and ideally secure the three points. What will be crucial is that we stick to our routines, maintain our intensity, and continue to work consistently. This week, I have seen the team ready to invest everything once more to be as successful as possible.” 

“The focus is on the home game, which we definitely want to win," said her opposite number, Urs Fischer. "It’s still about points, which is our top priority. Of course, the emotions change when it is clear that you remain in the league. But as I already said after the game against St. Pauli: We also want to win the last two matches and not give anything away."

Almost 2.800 Unioner will accompany the team on Sunday to Mainz, the Union travelling Zeughaus will also be on site. Information regarding attending the stadium can be found here.