Mainz 05 vs. Heidenheim preview: Visitors targeting first away victory
Heidenheim will attempt to claim their first-ever away victory in the Bundesliga when they face Mainz 05 on Saturday.
Mainz 05
Having mustered nine points from 14 matches, Mainz head into the weekend in the bottom two. While goal difference is keeping them above basement side Darmstadt, Mainz are currently one point adrift from safety.
Die Nullfünfer will be disappointed with the fact they have won just one of their last 19 league matches (D7, L11). That sole victory took place against RB Leipzig in Jan Siewert’s first game in charge as interim boss. However, since seeing his side beat die Roten Bullen in November, Siewert has overseen three draws and one defeat.
Draws against Darmstadt and Hoffenheim were followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Freiburg. Although they avoided defeat last weekend, they had to be content with a goalless draw in their away meeting with Köln.
If Mainz are to avoid the drop this season, they need to find a cutting edge in the final third. With just 26 league goals to their name, die Nullfünfer are currently the second-lowest scorers in the top flight
Team News
Robin Zentner, Maxim Leitsch, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Josuha Guilavogui and Nelson Weiper are ruled out through injury. Meanwhile, Silvan Widmer is a doubt due to illness.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim, who are competing in their first Bundesliga season, are currently sitting in 13th place after collecting 14 points from as many games. The newly-promoted side will head into the weekend in a positive mood following a successful outing against Darmstadt last weekend.
Despite leading at the break, Heidenheim found themselves 2-1 down after conceding a couple of goals in the early stages of the second period. However, they showed great fight to turn the game on its head, with Patrick Mainka’s netting a brace to secure his side their fourth league win.
While they have enjoyed success on home turf, Frank Schmidt’s side have been unable to replicate that form on their travels. Having drawn one and lost six of their seven away league games, Heidenheim currently share the worst away record with Werder Bremen. After conceding two goals in each of their away games, the visitors will be looking to offer a defensive important on Saturday.
Team News
Heidenheim are expected to be without the services of Denis Thomalla, Omar Traoré, Thomas Keller and Elidon Qenaj.