RB Leipzig vs Mainz Preview: Team News & Prediction
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RB Leipzig can’t afford to slip up against Mainz if they are to keep their place in the top four
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN+
RB Leipzig preview: Two points dropped
It was frustration for RB Leipzig in their most recent Bundesliga fixture, which saw them held to a 1-1 draw by relegation battling St. Pauli, Leipzig were wasteful in front of goal and it ultimately cost them, a poor outcome after such a good showing the week before against Heidenheim.
Being back at home should work in Leipzig’s favour as they face yet another relegation threatened side in Mainz. Expectations will be high from the home crowd and Ole Werner’s side simply must deliver, with three points a necessity.
Mainz preview: Resurgent visitors
One thing’s for sure, Mainz won’t be going down without a fight. Two wins from their last three in the Bundesliga has seen them move off the bottom of the table and get outside of the automatic relegation places, with home advantage proving vital from their point of view.
However, unlike their last two victories, this match will see them take to the road where it is expected to be even harder for Urs Fischer’s men. Mainz are unlikely to see much of the ball here and when they get the opportunity to counter, it’s crucial that the chance is taken.
RB Leipzig team news: Change in midfield
Suspension for Baumgartner means that Banzuzi is likely to start in central midfielder alongside Seiwald and Schlager. Now back fit, Bakayoko could start with Diomande shifted to the left-side.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Gulacsi; Baku, Orban, Bitshiabu, Raum; Banzuzi, Seiwald, Schlager; Bakayoko, Romulo, Diomande
Unavailable: Baumgartner (Suspended), Ouedraogo (Injured), Sani (Injured)
Questionable: Lukeba (Injured)
Mainz team news: Kohr out in defence
With Kohr banned and Hanche-Olsen injured, we could see a back three of da Costa, Bell and Potulski, especially with Mwene back available to play at left-wing-back, shifting Widmer to the right and da Costa into the back three.
Predicted XI: (3-5-2): Batz; da Costa, Bell, Potulski; Widmer, Amiri, Sano, Lee, Mwene; Tietz, Hollerbach
Unavailable: Caci (Injured), Dal (Injured), Hanche-Olsen (Injured), Kohr (Suspended), Zentner (Injured)
Questionable: Kawasaki (Injured), Nordin (Injured), Veratschnig (Injured)
RB Leipzig vs Mainz prediction
RB Leipzig cannot afford to take their opponents lightly here. Mainz are looking the strongest we’ve seen from them attacking-wise all season long and recent results have reflected that, with six goals across their last three league matches. However, on the road you would expect them not to prove as effective and for Leipzig to turn the screw.
There’s no excuse for the hosts when considering the personnel within their squad and their opponents’ struggles on the road all season. After dropping points last weekend, expect a bounce back from Leipzig and a win in front of their home fans.
RB Leipzig vs Mainz tip: RB Leipzig to win
