All season long premium subscribers will receive exclusive previews for the upcoming round of Bundesliga fixtures. Today, game week 7 kicks off! There’s a Rhein-derby between two sides on opposite ends of the table, a big encounter between two of the most improbable high-fliers, and countless other exciting encounters to keep you entertained.

Borussia M’gladbach v Mainz 05

With a comfortable 3:1 victory over VfL Bochum, Borussia M’gladbach registered their first win of the season last Saturday. The 3 points are a much-needed positive stimulus. A positive stimulus, that continue to allude their upcoming opponents - Mainz 05. 

Die 05er are one of only 3 winless sides remaining in the Bundesliga, and Bo Svensson’s side are currently bottom of the table with just 1 measly point. Saturday’s defeat to Leverkusen was yet another example of the inexplicable misfortune that has tarnished Mainz’s campaign. 

Die 05er took 10 shots to Leverkusen’s 6, yet still lost the match 3:0. This defensive misfortune is a theme that has carried over across the entire campaign. Based on the expected goals model Mainz have conceded almost 7 goals more than they should have this season. Unsurprisingly, no club in Europe’s top 5 leagues has underperformed the expected goals against model more drastically.

It’s hard to see this bad luck carrying over across 34 matchdays, and Friday could be the first step in the right direction.

Prediction: Draw

VfB Stuttgart v VfL Wolfsburg...