Mainz VS Hoffenheim Match Prediction

Recent history shows that the head-to-head record between Mainz and Hoffenheim is very split, with each side winning two matches each, while there have also been two draws in the last six meetings between the clubs. 

In the Bundesliga last season, the points went to the home team on both occasions, with Mainz triumphing 3-1 at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena, while Hoffenheim got their revenge with a 3-2 win at home later in the campaign. Four of the last six games between the sides have seen both teams get on the scoresheet.

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Mainz v Hoffenheim: Prediction

These two sides look to be very closely matched and it is tough to pick a winner for this game, especially so early in the season when the Bundesliga is still settling down and has just returned from an international break. Hoffenheim should be solid at the back, with Niklas Sule returning from international duty with Germany, but Mainz can be a threat in attack. A draw looks likely.

Mainz v Hoffenheim: Betting Tips

Home advantage has contributed to Mainz being made the favourites for this match by the bookmakers and they can be backed at a price of 21/20 to take the points, with Hoffenheim available at around the 5/2 mark here. The draw looks to be good value at 11/4.

From the last six meetings between the sides, both teams to score has landed in four so is recommended at odds of 7/11, while over 3.5 goals came in during both games between Mainz and Hoffenheim and has to be worth considering at odds of 2/1 for this enticing clash.

Mainz were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at Borussia Dortmund on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season, but a 3-1 loss in a club friendly to Sandhausen during the international break highlighted the issues within the side. Yoshinori Muto came off the bench to score Mainz's goal against Dortmund and the Japanese player could be rewarded with a place in the team here.

Mainz likely XI:

A 2-2 draw at home to Bundesliga new boys RB Leipzig was not the ideal start to the new Bundesliga campaign for Hoffenheim, who will be hoping for a better result when they visit Mainz at the weekend. Lukas Rupp and Marc Uth scored the goals in that match and both are expected to be in the starting line-up named by Julian Nagelsmann here, with not many changes likely.

Hoffenheim likely XI:

These two sides are hard to split and it might be the case that a draw is the most likely result. However, Mainz were very strong at home in the last few weeks of the previous campaign and they have only lost one of their last 11 league games in front of their own fans. Goals look likely looking at the recent head-to-head record between the sides, with a high-scoring draw perhaps on the cards here.

Mainz are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 home matches in the Bundesliga.