1 Fsv Mainz 05 vs Hoffenheim Prediction & Betting Tips - Bundesliga

Prediction published on 13/04/2024, 01:00  by Daniel Ngulu in Bundesliga Predictions

Hoffenheim are holding on to faint hopes for Europe next season while Mainz are in the battle to stay up in the Bundesliga. The two sides will square off next, in one of the Round 29 league matches scheduled for Saturday, hosted by Mainz. Both sides had morale-boosting wins ahead of this encounter. Mainz will come here looking to build on their 4-0 victory over bottom-placed Darmstadt. It was also their third straight clean sheet and unbeaten game following the 8-1 thrashing at Bayern Munich. They have 23 points, sitting in the relegation playoff spot, and the ambition here is to rise away from it. Closest to them in the safe zone are Bochum, three points ahead. Having a better goal difference, Mainz will feel they can bag three points at home and move to 15th. Their belief isn't far-fetched, as in the last six meetings with Hoffenheim, Mainz won four times and lost just once. Taking a five-game unbeaten run at home to this encounter will further fuel their confidence. In that run, Mainz registered three wins and as many clean sheets, while scoring nine goals.

Hoffenheim brought an end to their three-game losing streak with a 3-1 home win over Augsburg last time out. The goal conceded in that game denied them a clean sheet for the 25th game running. They have however failed to score in just two of their Bundesliga matches this season, a key stat ahead of a game against a side with improved defence. With 36 points so far, Hoffenheim remain six behind the top six with six matches to go. They are gunning for European football next season and their only avenue will be through improving on their current rank. The win over direct competitors Augsburg was a major step, now they have to beat a team that has taken a bogey status over them. In their last seven matches against Mainz, Hoffenheim have managed just one win. Die Kraichgauer’s away form hasn't been impressive and will be a major impediment. They have one win and six losses in the last nine away league games.