Mainz vs RB Leipzig Prediction & Tips
Bo Svensson is walking a tightrope as Mainz coach, and last weekend continued his worst start to a Bundesliga season. The 05ers find themselves at the bottom of the table with just three points from nine games, while the recent 2-2 draw against Bochum extended a desperate run in form to 14 league games without a win (E4, P10).
Their point at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion was only secured thanks to a last-gasp goal from Tom Krauss, prompting manager Martin Schmidt to admit that the goal “covered the cracks” after a “terrible” first half. However, hopes of a better performance on the return home may prove somewhat hopeless, given that Mainz have lost five of their last six games (E1) at the Mewa Arena, conceding at least three goals in each defeat.
History suggests that things won’t get any easier with the visit of RB Leipzig, to whom Mainz suffered their worst top-flight defeat of 2019 in losing 8-0. That was one of seven wins in 14 meetings between the Red Bulls (E3, P4), who also handed a 6-0 thrashing to Cologne in their last league match, their biggest Bundesliga win since September 2021.
It was also the sixth league win in their last eight games (E2), but coach Marco Rose believes the result and performance were just what the doctor ordered after much “hard-fought” success in recent weeks. In fact, the only sour note for RB Leipzig was a serious shoulder injury suffered by Dani Olmo, who will now be out of action for several weeks.
Players to watch: Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner has conceded 24 goals in nine games (G3, E2, P4) against RB Leipzig, the most goals he has allowed against any opponent. Looking to add to that miserable record will be visiting striker Xavi Simons, whose last seven league goals have all come either early or late in their respective fixtures.
Key stat: Only four of RB Leipzig’s nine Bundesliga matches have seen both teams score, the lowest number in the division.
Mainz – RB Leipzig FREE TIPS
RB Leipzig – Win @ 1.65
