Augsburg vs Mainz Prediction & Tips
Augsburg suffered another frustrating afternoon last weekend with a 3-0 defeat that extended their winless start in the Bundesliga to four games (E2, P2). This is not necessarily symptomatic of imminent relegation as they survived after an identical start in 2021/22, but after eight consecutive places in the bottom half of the table, another relegation battle could soon follow.
A return home could spur Augsburg’s progress, especially considering they have taken their two points here this season and have only been defeated once in their last five home games (G1, E3, P1). The main cause for concern is that Augsburg have squandered the lead in the three draws they have recorded in that span.
Perhaps a visit from bottom-of-the-table Mainz can remedy Augsburg’s poor start. The 05ers are off to an even worse start than Augsburg, with just one point from their first four league games (E1, P3), their worst start since losing each of their first six games in 2020/21. It may be too early to suggest that they will be embroiled in a relegation battle, as Mainz managed to finish in twelfth place that season.
Ending a run of at least two goals conceded in each of their last five away league games is probably a requirement for Mainz if they are to pick up their first three points here. Interestingly, in their two away league wins during 2023 Mainz scored exactly three goals, although it is a feat they have failed to achieve at this particular venue in any official head-to-head since 2016 (G1, P6).
Players to watch: Four of Dion Beljo’s five goals for Augsburg were registered in home form, with each of those strikes serving to open the scoring in the corresponding fixture. It was Mainz’s Karim Onisiwo who opened his side’s account on a visit to this stadium last season, a goal that helped end Mainz’s six-game winless streak on the road against their opponents and contributed to their first and only double-digit scoring season in the Bundesliga (10 goals).
Key statistic: Augsburg have not kept a clean sheet in the first half of any of their last six competitive matches.
Augsburg – Mainz FREE TIPS
BTS/YES @ 2.25
