The Bundesliga survival race intensifies as Mainz 05 faces Heidenheim at the Mewa Arena this Tuesday night. Both teams have struggled in the league, with Mainz 05 seeking their first victory since September, while Heidenheim aims to climb from the bottom of the standings.
Match Preview: Mainz 05 vs Heidenheim
Mainz 05’s season has been marked by inconsistency. The team excels in the Europa Conference League, boasting four wins out of six matches, earning 13 points while conceding just three goals. However, in the Bundesliga, they have secured only one win and currently sit nine points from safety.
The club recently made a managerial change, bringing in Urs Fischer. Under his guidance, Mainz remains unbeaten in the last five matches across all competitions, capturing one win and four draws. Last weekend, they began the new year with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Union Berlin. This result may bolster their morale as they prepare for Heidenheim.
Heidenheim’s Performance
Heidenheim, sitting second from the bottom with 12 points, is eager for a change in fortunes. Despite a rocky start, they recorded back-to-back victories over Union Berlin and Freiburg earlier this season. However, they faced setbacks with two consecutive defeats before the winter break.
Their last match against FC Koln ended in a 2-2 draw, providing some encouragement for the squad. They will aim for their third consecutive victory against Mainz, a feat they hope to achieve on the road.
Team News
Both teams enter the match with significant injury concerns affecting their lineups.
Mainz 05 Injury Updates
- Andreas Hanche-Olsen – Out due to a muscular injury.
- Maxim Leitsch and Phillipp Mwene – Doubts with muscular issues.
- Anthony Caci – Out with a torn hamstring.
- Robin Zentner – Injured and unavailable.
- Silas – Back in training, could feature on the bench.
- Phillip Tietz – Expected to play after his debut against Union Berlin.
Heidenheim Injury Updates
- Hennes Behrens – Unlikely to play due to a thigh injury.
- Adam Kolle – Doubtful after missing the last game through illness.
- Leart Paqarada – Recovering from a knee injury, unlikely to feature.
- Budu Zivzivadze – Out with a long-term injury, missing several matches.
Predictions and Expected Lineups
Both teams have shown potential, but challenges remain. The match is anticipated to be a tough contest, with injuries potentially affecting performance.
Possible Starting Lineup for Mainz 05:
- Batz
- Da Costa, Bell, Kohr
- Widmer, Sano, Lee, Veratschnig
- Amiri
- Hollerbach, Tietz
Possible Starting Lineup for Heidenheim:
- Ramaj
- Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Fohrenbach
- Schoppner, Niehues, Dorsch
- Ibrahimovic, Pieringer, Conteh
Given the current forms and injury challenges, a high-scoring draw seems likely, with predictions pointing towards a 2-2 final score. Teams will need to capitalize on any opportunities to gain crucial points in the ongoing Bundesliga battle.
