Mainz vs. Hoffenheim preview: The 05ers are fighting for survival
Mainz
Mainz put on their best offensive show of the season against Darmstadt last week in a huge 4-0 win. Still, they remain three points away from safety and it will likely be a fight for survival until the final matchday.
Incredibly, eight Mainz players are one yellow card away from receiving a suspension this weekend: Nadiem Amiri, Brajan Gruda, Jae-Sung Lee, Phillipp Mwene, Silvan Widmer, Edilmilson Fernandes, Tom Krauß and Ludovic Ajorque.
Bo Henriksen commented, "Everyone is hungry. Lots of players were injured and they now want to give their all for the team again. - It's always about the next game for us. We're treating every game like a final."
Team News
Stefan Bell and Nelson Weiper are likely unavailable. Captain Silvan Widmer is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Caci.
Hoffenheim
A big 3-1 win over Augsburg last weekend gave Hoffenheim new light towards claiming a berth back to Europe. They are tied on points with the Bavarian side and a 7th-place finish is now a real possibility.
Left-back loanee David Jurasek has been playing decent football of late and should start again on Saturday with Robert Skov falling out of favor. Youngster Tim Drexler is expected to start from the off in a back three with Maximilian Beier and Wout Weghorst leading the way up front.
Pellegrino Matarazzo mentioned, "Mainz's players will take to the pitch with the bit between their teeth. And we will be ready for that. - If the performance is there, a clean sheet will come.”
Team News
Mergim Berisha, Marco John and Stanley Nsoki are unavailable. Weghorst, Umut Tohumcu and Anton Stach are each one yellow card away from a suspension. Ozan Kabak and Dennis Geiger will both be squad options.