On Saturday afternoon, Mainz and Darmstadt clash at the MEWA Arena in a massive encounter in the fight for survival in the Bundesliga.
Mainz picked up a promising result in LeipzigLast time out in the Bundesliga, Mainz picked up a respectable 0-0 draw at RB Leipzig. The result means that the O5ers have picked up four points from their last two matches in the German top-flight.
However, they have still only recorded one win in five outings in the German top-flight. The poor recent run of form has kept Mainz in the relegation play-off spot, six points adrift of 15th place.
Bo Henriksen’s team has a decent recent home record in the Bundesliga. They are unbeaten in four home matches, having recorded two wins and two draws.
Mainz’s recent home games have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last nine Bundesliga outings in front of their own supporters.
Darmstadt going down with a whimperIt seems that Darmstadt are going down to the German second tier with a whimper rather than a major fight. The visitors are currently bottom of the table, six points adrift of their hosts, and 12 points adrift of 15th place.
A 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Bochum last time out means that Torsten Lieberknecht’s team is now winless in 20 top-flight games in the Bundesliga. The draw at least ended a three-game losing league run in the German top-flight.
Darmstadt’s defensive record has been poor lately, as they have conceded at least two goals in five of their previous six Bundesliga games.
The visitors haven’t won in nine away games in the German top-flight. However, four of their previous six league matches on their travels have ended in draws.
What am I backing?Mainz have shown some signs of improvement lately and are decent on home soil. The bet I am backing is a narrow home victory.