Heidenheim vs. Mainz 05 preview: Hosts out to end losing run

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Heidenheim

Heidenheim are languishing in the relegation playoff spot after winning four, drawing two and losing 15 of their 21 league matches this season. Their most recent Bundesliga victory took place on January 11 when they recorded a 2-0 home win over Union Berlin. Unfortunately for Frank Schmidt’s side, they have managed to add just one point to their tally since that successful home outing. They played out a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen, before they went on to lose four consecutive league games against St. Pauli, Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg.

They did at least restore some belief with a successful trip to Denmark in midweek. Heidenheim came from behind to claim a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Conference League knockout phase playoff clash against FC Copenhagen. Thomas Keller cancelled out Jordan Larsson’s opener, before Tim Siersleben netted an 85th-minute winner to give his side a narrow advantage ahead of Thursday’s return fixture in Germany. 

However, their current focus will be on closing the four-point gap to safety in their home meeting with Mainz. The hosts have the chance to complete a league double over their opponents after recording a 2-0 victory in September’s reverse fixture. 

Team News

The hosts remain without the services of midfielder Niklas Dorsch due to a knee injury. 

Mainz 05

Mainz’s European bid has lost momentum in recent weeks, having taken just four points from their last five matches. They suffered back-to-back away defeats against Bayer Leverkusen and Union, before they recorded a 2-0 home victory over Champions League-chasing Stuttgart. However, Bo Henriksen’s side have struggled to build upon that result, losing 1-0 away to Werder Bremen before playing out a goalless affair with Augsburg last weekend.

That stalemate did at least extend Mainz’s unbeaten home run to seven Bundesliga matches, representing a significant contrast to their recent away form. In fact, Sunday’s visitors have lost four of their previous five top-flight away games, including each of their last three road trips. After drawing two and losing one of their three previous top-flight meetings. Mainz will head into Sunday’s fixture with hopes of claiming their first Bundesliga victory over Heidenheim.

Team News

Defender Stefan Bell is set to miss a second straight game with a muscle injury.