After six games without a win, Bo Svensson will be eyeing up Saturday's encounter with Bochum as a potential opportunity to bring this unwanted winless run to an end.
On Wednesday night, Mainz were unlucky to lose to Borussia Dortmund with the Schwarzgelden requiring a last-minute goal from substitute Gio Reyna to claim the victory.
For the majority of the game, Mainz were happy to sit in a defensive block and allow their opponents to have the bulk of possession. This was extremely effective in the first half when Dortmund looked bereft of ideas.
However, the introduction of Reyna, Sebastian Haller and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens brought new life into Edin Terzic's side which eventually led to them scoring the winner as the game reached its conclusion.
As for Bochum, their return to Bundesliga action has been no more than satisfactory. Since Thomas Letsch was appointed in September, they have improved as a team, winning four out of ten matches but find themselves immersed in a struggle against relegation.
A 3-1 defeat of Hertha Berlin was followed by a 2-0 loss at Bayer Leverkusen. If Bochum are to stay up, patterns like this should be enough for them. Winning in a relegation six-pointer and a setback against a resurgent Leverkusen went almost as expected.
Saturday's game though should be a chance to return to winning ways especially considering Mainz's lack of form at the minute.
Team News
After missing Wednesday's match, Dominik Kohr will return after serving a suspension. While Finn Dahmen is likely to continue in goal as first choice Robin Zentner remains injured. Marlon Mustapha, Jonathan Burkardt and Delano Burgzorg are also all out.
For the visitors, Michael Esser, Cristian Gamboa, Kostas Stafylidis, Saidy Janko and Ivan Ordets are all expected to miss Saturday's encounter. While former Bournemouth and Sheffield United striker, Lys Mousset has been told to train away from the first-team squad.
Likely lineups
Dahmen; Hanche-Olsen, Fernandes, Caci; Widmer, Barkok, Kohr, Martin; Onisiwo, Lee; Ingvartsen
Riemann; Osei-Tutu, Lampropoulos, Schlotterbeck, Soares; Holtmann, Stöger, Losilla, Kunde, Antwi-Adjei; Hofmann
Key players
Mainz - Ludovic Ajorque
Although the Frenchman may not start against Bochum, he is likely to play a part. After arriving from Strasbourg, Ajorque came on against Dortmund in the 80th minute to make his Mainz debut. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns but has struggled so far this season. Ajorque's arrival though gives the nullfünfers an alternative up front to the likes of Karim Onisiwo, Burkardt and Marcus Ingvartsen.
Bochum - Philipp Hofmann
From one giant striker to another, Hofmann though is more familiar with the German game than Mainz's new arrival. However, this season is his first in the Bundesliga and has been performing well as Bochum's main striker. With six goals in 19, the majority coming from crosses, the 29-year-old has benefited from Letsch's play style.
Match details
- Where is the game being played ?
The game is being played at the MEWA Arena in Mainz.
- What time is kick-off ?
The game kicks-off at 14:30 GMT on Saturday.
- How can I watch ?
The game is not available to watch in the United Kingdom but you can follow all the news, views and updates from Bundesliga right here on VAVEL.