Mainz host Augsburg on matchday 31 at the Opel Arena in a massive six-point affair between the two relegation threatened clubs.
The 05ers are coming off a big 2-0 away win versus Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday 30. Coach Achim Beierlorzer has four matches left to rescue Mainz’s season as just three points separate the club from relegation-playoff place occupier Werder Bremen.
Augsburg are coming off of a 1-1 draw with Koln which gave Heiko Herrlich’s side some breathing room in the race for Bundesliga survival. The Fuggerstädter are four points above the relegation zone and a win away at the Opel Arena could be the catalyst to saving their status in the top flight.
Recent history is not on Mainz’s side. They are winless in three straight games in all competitions versus Augsburg with back to back fixtures ending in losses. All three of those games ended with over 2.5 goals scored.
Despite the two clubs scoring goals against each other in recent meetings, the teams have played low-scoring matches since the Bundesliga returned from the Covid-19 break.
Mainz’s last three matches in the Bundesliga ended with under 2.5 goals scored. Augsburg also had their last three fixtures finish with under 2.5 goals scored. As both have struggled to keep their heads above water in the relegation fight, goals have been in short supply.
The 05ers have picked up 14 points from 45 points possible at home which is the third-lowest in the Bundesliga. They have scored just 15 goals at the Opel Arena while conceding 27 times. Back to back home matches for Mainz ended in losses being outscored 6-0.
Augsburg have taken 12 points from 45 possible on their travels. It is the third worst total away from home in the division. The Fuggerstädter have scored a mere 15 goals on their travels with 33 goals going in at the opposite end of the pitch.
The home team have dominated the series of matches between Mainz and Augsburg. Their last fixture played at the Opel Arena saw Mainz prevail 2-1.
When the teams met in December, Augsburg claimed a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Marco Richter and a penalty from Florian Niederlechner. Mainz had jumped out to an early lead through Levin Mete Oztunali before Augsburg came from behind to win.
Up next: 1. FSV Mainz 05 🔜 pic.twitter.com/NCNzyOvX2j— FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) June 8, 2020
Up next: 1. FSV Mainz 05 🔜 pic.twitter.com/NCNzyOvX2j
Sunday’s game should be a close fixture between the two clubs with the match ending level. Unlike previous matches between Mainz and Augsburg, matchday 31 should see the game end with under 2.5 goals scored. A draw will keep both teams fighting for their Bundesliga lives as the match ends 1-1.