Mainz vs Hoffenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Hoffenheim look to pick up where they left off prior to the international break, whilst Mainz need three points to move out of the relegation zone.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC iPlayer / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer / US – ESPN+
Mainz preview: Points hard to come by
Whilst Mainz hoped that ending their Bundesliga losing streak and picking up a hard-fought draw against Werder Bremen could prove the start of a revival, that turned out not to be the case. Instead, they were beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt last time out, losing by a single goal. Although that result was nothing to be ashamed about, it’s now just one win in ten league matches for Mainz so far this season.
Scoring goals has been an issue for the hosts, who are currently averaging just one goal a game and as it stands, only three clubs have scored less in the league. On the flip side, they are averaging not far off two goals conceded per league match, not ideal for a team desperate for points.
Hoffenheim preview: Regaining momentum
You could definitely argue that the international break came at the wrong time for Hoffenheim. They had won each of their last four Bundesliga games prior to the stoppage, scoring three times in all four matches. With a frontline currently scoring goals for fun and multiple players returning from injury, all signs are good right now for Hoffenheim.
As it stands, Hoffenheim sit inside the European places but can lay down a marker in Mainz. Victory would see them move up into third-place, above the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen, putting the pressure on them ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
Mainz team news: Bell back but Hanche-Olsen now doubtful
Mainz welcome back defender Stefan Bell following injury, but could be without another defender here in Andreas Hanche-Olsen, who is struggling with illness. Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal remain out.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Zentner; Da Costa, Bell, Kohr; Widmer, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Hollerbach, Lee
Unavailable: Caci (Injured), Dal (Injured)
Questionable: Hanche-Olsen (Illness)
Hoffenheim team news: Squad continues to heal
More and more options are presenting themselves to Christian Ilzer, who is particularly spoiled for choice in defence as both Ozan Kabak and Kevin Akpoguma lay claims for a start. But fellow centre-back Koki Machida along with forward Adam Hlozek are both still missing.
Predicted XI: (4-3-1-2): Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Prass; Promel, Avdullahu, Burger; Kramaric; Lemperle, Toure
Unavailable: Hlozek (Injured), Machina (Injured)
Questionable:
Mainz vs Hoffenheim prediction
The big question heading into this contest as how both sides have utilised the recent international break. For Mainz, it’s about whether they’ve been able to do the work required to reset themselves on the pitch and for Hoffenheim, it’s about whether they replicate what we saw pre-international break after two weeks with multiple players away with their respective countries.
Hoffenheim’s attacking style of play under Ilzer will be hard for this Mainz team to contend with and the first goal going the way of the visitors would be huge from their perspective. When taking into account the confidence among their squad and how good they’ve been over the past month or so, backing Hoffenheim has to be favoured, although perhaps via the draw no bet market for extra security.
Mainz vs Hoffenheim tip: Hoffenheim draw no bet
