The home opener awaits: On Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, HSV will host 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the Volksparkstadion.

After a deserved 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund, Hamburg are looking to pick up their first points of the still-young campaign against the visitors from Rheinhessen. The conditions could be worse: HSV completed no fewer than three transfers during the week, and with the loan signings who were made permanent included, as many as six newcomers could even be in the starting lineup. In goal, however, nothing changes. Daniel Heuer Fernandes once again delivered a strong performance against BVB and will also start against Mainz.

There will, however, be a change on the right flank. New Genk signing Zakaria El Ouahdi will make his HSV debut, pushing Bakery Jatta to the bench. As in Dortmund, the back three will consist of Nicolas Capaldo, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jordan Torunarigha. On the left side, deadline-day signing David Möller Wolfe is expected to replace Louis Lemke. The 16-year-old will initially move back into a secondary role.

Photo: IMAGO

HSV: Polzin must make two decisions

In central midfield, meanwhile, Merlin Polzin is relying on tried-and-tested personnel. Captain Nicolai Remberg and his deputy Sambi Lokonga will form HSV’s engine room, just as they did in the previous two matches and for large stretches of last season. Ahead of the well-drilled duo, Albert Grønbaek is expected to provide the creative spark. The Dane could receive support from Fabio Vieira. If Polzin deems the returning fan favorite fit enough for match action, Martin Adeline would drop out of the starting lineup.

It also remains exciting up front. The decision will come down to Patson Daka and Terem Moffi. “Patson has been with us a little longer and has had an extra day or two to understand what matters for our game,” Polzin recently explained. As for Moffi, he immediately showed during his brief appearance in Dortmund “that he has a presence that helps our game and causes problems for the opponent.” In the shadow of this battle, former captain Yussuf Poulsen is left with only a substitute role.

The expected HSV lineup: Heuer Fernandes, El Ouahdi, Capaldo, Bornauw, Torunarigha, Möller Wolfe, Remberg, Lokonga, Vieira, Grønbaek, Daka