Mainz vs Heidenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The Bundesliga’s bottom two meet in what should prove a high-stakes encounter between Mainz and Heidenheim.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN+
Mainz preview: Draw specialists
Mainz began the new year with yet another draw, their third in a row. Travelling to Union Berlin, they led by two goals to nil before conceding with 13 minutes to go. A lack of confidence then set in and the equaliser came in the 86th minute. That 2-2 draw leaves them still three points adrift of their opponents here.
This game is far more important for Mainz to win than Heidenheim if they are to really kick start their survival hopes. However, defeat here could see them cut adrift at the bottom of the Bundesliga.
Heidenheim preview: Another point
Heidenheim’s 2026 began with a draw and another important point on the board. However, this point came after they led twice against FC Cologne, which will be seen as a blow for the hosts and frustrating for their supporters as a win would’ve taken them out of the automatic relegation places.
Whilst the point did snap a two-game winning streak in the Bundesliga, it’s wins that Heidenheim need at this stage and get themselves out of the dreaded bottom two. Victory here could bury Mainz though.
Mainz team news: Mwene could make it
The visitors will be hoping that first-choice left-back Mwene is passed fit after struggling with a groin problem, but the likes of Caci, Hanche-Olsen and Zentner all won’t make it in time.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Batz; Da Costa, Bell, Kohr; Widmer, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Hollerbach, Tietz, Lee
Unavailable: Caci (Injured), Dal (Injured), Hanche-Olsen (Injured), Silas (Fitness), Weiper (Illness), Zentner (Injured)
Questionable: Leitsch (Illness), Mwene (Injured)
Heidenheim team news: Two missing
Both Paqarada and Zivzivadze remain out for Heidenheim through injury and Behrens could join them here. Paqaranda is battling illness and a late decision will likely be made on him.
Predicted XI: (4-3-3): Ramaj; Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Fohrenbach; Schoppner, Niehues, Dorsch; Conteh, Pieringer, Ibrahimovic
Unavailable: Paqarada (Injured), Zivzivadze (Injured)
Questionable: Kolle (Illness), Behrens (Injured)
Mainz vs Heidenheim prediction
Mainz and Heidenheim come into this match with huge pressure on their shoulders. A loss for either here would be a disaster and that may be reflected in the general tempo of play here. It would be no surprise to see a fairly timid affair with neither side wanting to take any huge risks offensively and pushing players forward in large numbers that could see them caught out at the other end.
There is a significant lack of quality among both teams and that has been reflected in their respective results across the season so far. The table doesn’t lie and it’s hard to see either doing enough to claim what would be a huge three points in this match. Therefore, consider backing the draw.
Mainz vs Heidenheim tip: Draw
