Mainz host fellow Bundesliga strugglers Augsburg at the Opel Arena this Sunday with a spring in their step following last weekend's crucial win at rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.

Moussa Niakhate and Pierre Kunde's goals meant Die Nullfünfer picked up their first win since the league's return and lifted them to three points clear of the relegation play-off place. 

An 88th minute equalizer from Philipp Max rescued a point for Augsburg last time out as they drew 1-1 with Köln, but they too have been in poor from since the resumption of the top flight, sitting just a point above Mainz. The Bavarians have won just once in their last 10 league matches. 

Dependent on Saturday's results, a win for Mainz could see them sit as many as six points ahead of the relegation zone with three games to play, thus overtaking Augsburg and placing them thoroughly in danger. 

  • Current Form

Mainz: DLDLW

Augsburg: LWDLD

  • Team News

Mainz boss Achim Beierlorzer has Ridle Baku available once again after serving a one match suspension against Frankfurt, so he will be in line for a return to the starting line up. Other than that, he has no real concerns in his squad. 

For Augsburg manager Heiko Herrlich, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is eligible again after serving a ban, while Alfred Finnbogasson may be fit again after an ankle injury. Ex-Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner is pushing for a start. Daniel Beier is also back in contention. 

 

  • Predicted lineups

Mainz: Müller, Brosinki, Niakhate, St. Juste, Baku, Öztunali, Kunde, Latza, Awoniyi, Quaison, Mateta.

Augsburg: Luthe, Framberger, Jedvaj, Uduokhai, Max, Gruezo, Khedira, Richter, Löwen, Vargas, Niederlechner.

  • Previous meetings

Mainz have a wretched record in recent seasons against the Fuggerstädter, with the latter winning five of the previous six meetings, including the last three - albeit all at their WWK Arena home. Marco Richter and Florian Niederlechner were on target last time out as they came back from behind to win 2-1 following Levin Öztunali's opening goal. Coincidentally, the last time Mainz beat Augsburg their current striker Ji Dong-won was on target for the opposition. 

Augsburg 2-1 Mainz

Augsburg 3-0 Mainz

Augsburg 3-2 Mainz (DFB Pokal)

Mainz 2-1 Augsburg

Augsburg 2-0 Mainz

  • Where to watch

The game is available to viewers in the United Kingdom from 14:30 BST on Sunday on BT Sport 1, as well as being able to stream on the BT Sport app.

As well as this, VAVEL UK will have LIVE minute-by-minute updates of the game, with pre-match build-up throughout the afternoon.