BUNDESLIGA PREVIEW: Tuchel welcomes former employers

The main event in Germany’s top-flight this weekend doesn’t come around until the final game of the round but it promises to be worth the wait. Thomas Tuchel is preparing to face former club Mainz for the second time this season, with his old employers enjoying a fantastic season to date. Martin Schmidt has taken the reins and not only covered for Tuchel’s departure but also built on the work the young Dortmund boss had done.

Mainz sit fifth and, just two points shy of the final automatic Champions League qualification spot, have it all to play for in the league. That’s probably less true of their hosts on Sunday, whose draw in the Klassiker last week left them with an uphill battle, arguably now prioritising Europa League glory with second place in the Bundesliga all but assured.

The curtain raiser in gameweek 26 is also an exciting prospect, with Friday night’s clash between surprise package Hertha Berlin and Schalke pitting third against fourth. Pal Dardei’s men have lost just once at home all season and will keep their place on the podium if they protect that record tonight. Meanwhile Augsburg’s visit to Darmstadt on Saturday could have a big say at the bottom, with the two sides level on points ahead of the relegation play-off place.

What are you most looking forward to in the Bundesliga this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below