TSG Hoffenheim v Mainz preview: spirited 05ers aim three points in front of “home” support | OneFootball

TSG Hoffenheim

With only six matchdays left in the Bundesliga season, Christian Ilzer’s side is yet to avoid relegation concerns. They’re currently only five points adrift of the playoff spot, and the remaining fixtures look tough on paper for the side in Sinsheim.

Including the closing fixture against champions-elect Bayern, Hoffe will play five teams in the top eight of the standings. Meanwhile, they don’t have a big home atmosphere you’d normally expect from most of the Bundesliga clubs.

In that regard, Hoffenheim will face another challenge on Saturday as Mainz travel alongside 10,000 fans. After 28 rounds of fixtures, they only collected one more point at home compared to on their travels.

And, they’re winless at PreZero Arena since a box office Ilzer debut against RB Leipzig on matchday 11. Hoffenheim have never been relegated from the Bundesliga since their first-ever season back in 2008-09.

Team News

Winter signing Leo Østigård is suspended for two games after his red card in the defeat in Leipzig. Ilzer is frustrated about DFL’s decision, and he said it’ll also affect Leipzig as the key defender will miss games against Mainz and Freiburg – teams competing with Zsolt Löw’s side for a European spot.

Meanwhile, the plan for Ihlas Bebou and Diadie Samasséko is for them to return before the end of the season.

Mainz 05

It’s hard to think of a better preparation for Mainz ahead of a key match in Hoffenheim. Because of the 10,000 traveling fans, the game will feel like a home fixture. And, the club also announced three contract extensions on Friday.

This includes tying experienced midfielder Dominik Kohr at the club until 2028. Despite a three-game winless streak, these events will certainly boost the confidence of Bo Henriksen’s men during the final weeks of the season.

Although the competition is big, Mainz are still in the race to qualify for a maiden Champions League appearance. Meanwhile, finishing inside European places would be considered a big success, considering their recent struggles.

Before the recent poor record, Mainz won four games in a row. Including three victories in the last four, they won half of their games away from home this season.

Team News

Nadiem Amiri is suspended after his fifth yellow card of the season, while Henriksen hopes Jonathan Burkardt will be fit enough to start. Leonardo Maloney could also be an option in the starting XI.