Mainz vs Hoffenheim Prediction 01.12.2024 | Bundesliga

• Competition: Germany - Bundesliga
• Date: 1st, December, 2024
• Kickoff: 14:30 UK / 15:30 CEST
• Venue: MEWA Arena (Mainz)

Looking to edge closer to the European positions, Mainz welcomes Hoffenheim to MEWA Arena for their Bundesliga matchday 12 clash on Saturday.

After enduring a nerve-wracking season filled with tense moments and narrowly finishing just two points clear of the relegation zone, FSV Mainz are determined this year to steer clear of any drama and deliver a far more consistent campaign for their loyal supporters. Currently, everything is going according to plan for Bo Henriksen's team, who sit in eighth place with a solid 16-point haul after 11 games, and with just one point behind the European spots, it means they could break into the top six this weekend.

Looking at it from Hoffenheim's angle, their performances have been notably underwhelming compared to last season, when they wrapped up the Bundesliga in seventh and earned a UEFA Europa League spot. Due to the inability to guide the team onto the right track since the start of the season, the coaching staff of the club from Sinsheim has decided to part ways with Pellegrino Matarazzo. Christian Ilzer was appointed in his place and marked his debut with a match to remember, leading Die Kraichgauer to an extraordinary seven-goal victory over RB Leipzig, even though his side had to come from behind three times during the match.

Mainz vs Hoffenheim Betting Tips: MAINZ TO WIN

The eight-ranked Mainz side heads into the weekend action in buoyant mood, having strung together a four-game unbeaten run, with their last two matches showcasing their dominance as they first thrased Dortmund 3-1 before netting three unanswered goals against Holstein Kiel. Interestingly, Bo Henriksen’s team has scored exactly three goals in each of their four triumphs this season and they will look to maintain their ruthless form in front of goal to stay in the race for European spots. After a stellar debut, newly appointed coach Ilzer was hit with a cold shower just days later in European action, watching his team crumble to a 0-3 defeat in the Quarry against Braga. 

In just two matches under the leadership of the Austrian, the Sinsheim club have already capitulated six times at the back, and now they fear another defensive collapse ahead of their visit to MEWA Arena, where they were crushed 1-4 by Mainz last year. In fact, those in red-white can boast an active three-game home winning run against their Saturday rivals, and considering Hoffenhaim has looked helpless away from home this term - failing to win any of their last eight visits (D4 L4) and not scoring in four straight - we believe that the 05ers have a fine chance of taking all the spoils here.