Elversberg and Mainz will both be desperate to win here after the dip in form of both clubs culminated in surprise eliminations from the DFB-Pokal to second-tier sides during the week.
Match News and Current Form
Elversberg’s electrifying start to the season has since been met with a challenging run featuring one win in their last six matches (D1, L4), the most humiliating of which was their midweek 2-0 DFB-Pokal loss to second division side Darmstadt. That was the third time in their last four games they failed to score, having suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of RB Leipzig in their last league match, but despite that torrid form they still find themselves in an encouraging eighth place in the Bundesliga standings. A return to home league action might be just what they need to steady the ship, considering Elversberg won eight of their last ten home league outings (L2).
Mainz have also been on the slide in recent weeks, with a run of three defeats in their last four matches (W1) resulting in them exiting the DFB-Pokal at the hands of second-tier Bochum. They find themselves level with Elversberg on ten points following a 3-2 loss at home to Werder Bremen last weekend, but with a far superior goal difference that can be credited to their exploits on the road. Mainz boast the Bundesliga’s only perfect away record of this term (W3, GD+7) after winning 1-0 at Schalke and will be looking to convert their travelling success into what would be just their third win from their last 14 Friday Bundesliga matches (D5, L6).
Head-to-Head History
Elversberg have not won any of the last 11 encounters with Mainz (D3, L8), while failing to score in six of the last eight H2Hs.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Elversberg have opened the scoring just twice this Bundesliga season (W2).
Elversberg have seen a joint-league high of ten total goals scored after the 75th minute this Bundesliga season.
The half-time result has been replicated at full-time in nine of Mainz’s last ten top-flight games.
Mainz have won eight of their last ten Bundesliga away matches when starting as the betting favourite (L2).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Elversberg’s Frederik Schmahl scored in their last home game, and has no trouble remaining patient since all of his last six goals have come after half-time. Mainz’s Anthony Caci has been on fire lately with six goal contributions in his last four matches, with five of those coming before half-time.
Both Jan Gyamerah and Noah Darvich are unlikely to feature for Elversberg here, while Mainz will continue without first-choice goalkeeper Robin Zentner.
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Betting Analysis
Neither side appears to be in great shape and could be averse to taking risks early, meaning a half-time draw may be on the cards.
Author: Peter Stavrinou