On Sunday evening, Mainz host Schalke in a game that could have big implications on both the fight for survival and European places in the Bundesliga.
Mainz will be looking over their shoulders nervously at the relegation zone, as the home side are just four points clear of the relegation spots. If results go against them this weekend the home side could be major trouble.
A run of six defeats in their last eight Bundesliga outings is the main cause of their uncomfortable position in the German top-flight table. However, things may be looking up for the home side, as last time out, they ended a four-game losing streak by recording a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin courtesy of a hat-trick from Swedish striker Robin Quaison.
Mainz have had defensive problems for the last few years, having kept just one clean sheet in 22 matches in the German top-flight.
Their recent home form has not been great either, as Achim Beierlorzer’s team have suffered four straight home defeats in the Bundesliga.
Our last 0️⃣5️⃣ meetings with @s04_en 👀Let's celebrate carnival in style on Sunday! 🎭🎉 #UpTheMainz #M05S04 pic.twitter.com/SPoPbHe7qJ— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) February 14, 2020
Our last 0️⃣5️⃣ meetings with @s04_en 👀Let's celebrate carnival in style on Sunday! 🎭🎉 #UpTheMainz #M05S04 pic.twitter.com/SPoPbHe7qJ
The recent history of meetings between these two teams does not bode well for Mainz, as they have suffered defeat in six of their last seven meetings with Schalke in all competitions.
Schalke’s quest for European qualification has rather stuttered in recent weeks, as David Wagner’s team has now won just once in their last six outings in the Bundesliga. A 1-1 home draw with bottom of the table Paderborn last time out was a particularly disappointing result for the visitors.
Despite their recent run of unconvincing form in the German top-flight, Schalke are still in a Europa League spot and are just four points off the Champions League berths.
However, if they are to make a charge for the top four, then the Royal Blues away form needs to improve, as they have failed to win in four league matches on their travels.
Forebet predicts that Schalke will end that poor recent away record by recording a victory in a high-scoring game.