Mainz 05 will continue their pursuit of European qualification with a home match against Bochum.
Currently positioned in fifth place, Mainz is only two points behind the top four, having achieved seven wins, four draws, and four losses in their 15 league matches. The team, led by Bo Henriksen, enters the winter break on a high note, securing five victories in their last six league games of 2024. This successful streak began with a 3-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund, followed by consecutive wins against Holstein Kiel and Hoffenheim. After experiencing a setback with a 4-3 defeat to Wolfsburg, Mainz rebounded with a notable 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich and concluded 2024 with a 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.
As Mainz prepares to face relegation-threatened Bochum on Saturday, they aim to continue their strong performance at home. Having won their last three home matches, they seek to achieve four consecutive home league victories for the first time since March 2023. Mainz has a favorable record against Bochum at home, having won their last three encounters.
In terms of team news, Mainz will be without Gabriel Vidović due to an ankle injury, and Nadiem Amiri will serve the first match of a two-game suspension.
Bochum, on the other hand, is currently at the bottom of the Championship table, with only one win, three draws, and 11 losses from their 15 matches. The team is four points away from the relegation playoff spot and eight points from safety. Despite their precarious situation, Bochum ended 2024 positively with a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim, marking their first Bundesliga win of the season. Moritz Broschinski and Matúš Bero each scored in that match.
Looking to start 2025 with their first away win of the Bundesliga season, Bochum faces a difficult challenge, having garnered just one point from eight away games so far. Additionally, Bochum has not won at Mainz in the 21st century, with their last away victory there dating back to December 1999.
In team news, Bochum will be missing Mats Pannewig due to injury and Koji Miyoshi due to suspension.
0 Comments