On Saturday afternoon, Mainz and Bochum clash at the MEWA Arena in a game that could significantly impact the Bundesliga's battle for survival.
Mainz looking to end winless run in the BundesligaThe O5ers head into this game on the back of a three-game winless run in the German top-flight after an 8-1 hammering at reigning German champions Bayern Munich last time out.
The loss in Bavaria means that Mainz has now won just once in their previous 15 Bundesliga games.
Things are looking bleak for Mainz in the fight to preserve their top-flight status, as they are in 17th place, nine points from the safety of 15th, which is the position the visitors currently occupy. However, Bo Henriksen’s team trails 16th place Koln by just two points.
Mainz have won just one of their previous seven home matches in the German top flight but are currently unbeaten in three games on home soil. Their recent home matches have been low-scoring in the Bundesliga, with under 2.5 goals scored in the last eight games.
Bochum looking to arrest poor Bundesliga runThomas Letsch’s team has suffered three straight Bundesliga defeats after a 2-1 home loss against Freiburg last time out. The game highlighted Bochum’s main issue of late, as they conceded at least two goals for the fourth straight league game.
A run of just one win in their last seven games has left Bochum in 15th place in the table. However, they are still seven points clear of the league’s bottom three.
Bochum’s recent form on their travels has to improve if they are to avoid being sucked into the relegation battle. The visitors are winless in six away games in the Bundesliga, having picked up just two draws and suffered four defeats.
What am I backing?With both teams looking for a morale-boosting victory, this could be a cagey, even encounter. With that in mind, the bet I am backing is the draw.
