Mainz vs Hoffenheim: Preview and Prediction

Mainz vs Hoffenheim
German Bundesliga
Date: Sunday, 11 September 2016,
Kick-Off: 16:30 UK
Venue: Coface Arena, Mainz.

FSV Mainz started their 2016/17 Bundesliga campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund. They were underdogs on paper, but didn’t give up without a strong fight.

Mainz finished 6th in the league last season and have qualified for the Europa League. It will be a long season and head coach Rouven Schroder will have a tough task keeping the squad fresh and fit between the European clashes.

Hoffenheim narrowly escaped relegation last season and they showed signs of vulnerability in the season opener at home against the newly promoted RB Leipzig. The 2-2 draw could be a satisfactory result, but there is plenty of concerns in their overall play. They gave their opponents plenty of easy chances and didn’t took the chances that came in their way. By the initial look of the team, this is exactly what you should expect from this team. They are adventurous, attacking and leaky in defense.

Mainz vs Hoffenheim: Head-to-Head

Mainz defeated Hoffenheim 3-1 in the corresponding home fixture of last season. They lost the away leg at Hoffenheim by a 3-2 margin.

Mainz are unbeaten in the four meetings against Hoffenheim, with 2 wins and 2 draws. They lost only once in the last 7 home meetings, with 4 wins from the remaining rest 6.

Four of the last six meeting between these two sides have seen over 3.5 goals.

Mainz vs Hoffenheim: Prediction

Mainz are a better balanced side than Hoffenheim at the moment. And on the back of a strong home record, they got what it takes to edge a win here. At the same time, Hoffenheim are no pushovers and are capable of taking the attack to the hosts. But with a vulnerable defense could backfire here.

I definitely see this as a high scoring game and over 2.5 goals is very much on the cards. And I will also go with my correct score bet of 3-1 in favour of Mainz at full time.