Hamburger SV - Mainz 05

Hamburger SV aim to rectify their opening Bundesliga defeat as they return to the Volksparkstadion on 6 September 2026 for matchday 2. The hosts suffered a setback against Borussia Dortmund last weekend, but the expected XI led by Patson Daka and Fabio Vieira will look to find the rhythm they displayed in their emphatic DFB Pokal victory over SC Verl. The absence of defender Warmed Omari forces a reshuffle at the back, placing added pressure on Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jordan Torunarigha to anchor the defensive line against a visiting side looking to sharpen their own attacking edge.

Mainz 05 arrive following a frustrating goalless draw with Paderborn, though their recent cup rout of VfB Krieschow suggests plenty of firepower remains in the ranks. With Dominik Kohr sidelined through injury, the visitors will rely on the creativity of Nadiem Amiri and Jae-Sung Lee to break down the Hamburg defence. History between the two sides has been tight, most recently ending in a 1-1 draw on 20 February 2026, though Hamburg will fondly recall a dominant 4-0 victory in their previous league meeting at this venue last October.