Mainz vs. Bochum preview: A relegation-threatened battle
Mainz host Bochum on Matchday 26, as these two lower-table sides face off in a huge contest with potential relegation consequences.
Mainz
Mainz have only won once in 2024 are coming off a hefty 8-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Times are tough for the 05ers, who were last relegated to the second division back in 2007.
The 05ers have struggled mightily offensively, but Bo Henriksen seems set on a front three of Jonathan Burkardt, Lee Jae-sung and Brajan Gruda. They drew with Bochum in their first matchup of the season and now desperately need a win against a table rival.
Henriksen mentioned, “We need to put in a very different performance. The boys are hungry for victory."
Team News
Nelson Weiper and Stefan Bell are both out, while Leandro Barreiro and Dominik Kohr are back from their suspensions. The 05ers have five different players who are one yellow card away from receiving a suspension.
Bochum
Following a huge win against Bayern a few weeks ago, Bochum have lost their last three games and given up 11 goals in the process. The 15th-place side are stuck on 25 points and the clubs below are starting to catch up.
Cristian Gamboa could come back into the starting lineup this weekend for the injured Tim Oermann. Everything will of course run through Kevin Stöger, who’s having an unbelievable season and is likely set for a transfer this summer.
In his presser, Thomas Letsch said, “We have now lost three times in a row. However, the fundamental situation has not changed. It's still a matter of getting points back as quickly as possible. The boys are not insecure. We continue to be convinced of what we do.”
Team News
Andreas Luthe and Patrick Osterhage are questionable, while there’s a lengthy injury list. This includes: Michael Esser, Niclas Thiede, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, Mohammed Tolba, Christopher Antwi–Adjei, Matus Bero and Oermann.