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FSV Mainz – VfB Stuttgart
This is the last Sunday match in the Bundesliga this season. Three games will take place on this weekday on the 33rd matchday. The first match is at 3:30 pm at the MEWA Arena in Mainz. The Nullfünfer, who are based there, will then welcome relegation-threatened VfB Stuttgart. Find out whether VfB will return to winning ways in Rhineland-Palatinate in our Mainz vs Stuttgart tip.
For Mainz, the last two matchdays are still about a place in the Europa League. However, FSV, who are currently ninth in the table, are already three points behind sixth and seventh place. In addition, the zero-fives have recently suffered a form crisis at an inopportune time. Mainz lost their last three games in the league and need a significant improvement in performance this weekend.
Stuttgart’s opponents, however, are plagued with completely different problems this season. The Swabians continue to fight their way into the 2nd Bundesliga and are currently in second-last place. Before the last two match days, however, VfB is only one point behind the Königsblauen in the relegation place. And direct salvation is also only two points away for Stuttgart. After two winless games in a row, coach Sebastian Hoeneß is finally hoping for a win for his team.
Mainz – Stuttgart info:
- Date & Time: 21.05.2023, 15:30 Uhr
- Game venue: MEWA Arena, Mainz
- Competition: Bundesliga, 33. matchday
- TV coverage: DAZN
Mainz Form & Balance Check
Mainz 05 was the surprise team of the second leg for a long time. After finishing the first half of the season in twelfth place, FSV were almost unstoppable. In the meantime, the Nullfünfer even went ten games in a row without defeat.
The highlight of this series was the 3:1 victory against the league leaders from Munich. Since then, however, Bo Svensson’s team has suffered three defeats in a row. In the league, FSV slipped back to ninth place. Nevertheless, Mainz fans still fancy their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.
Mainz record-breaking
The strong second half of the season means FSV may be playing their way into the Mainz history books. A win against VfB would take Mainz to a total of 48 points, which would be their best haul in seven years. The previous record for the zero-fives is 50 points at the end of the season.
Mainz are also on the verge of a historic goal record in the Bundesliga. In the 32 games so far this season, the Rheinhessen side have scored an impressive 51 goals. This is the second-highest goal tally in a Bundesliga season for Mainz so far. Thomas Tuchel scored 52 goals twice with FSV.
Mainz facts & analysis
- In 9th place in the Bundesliga table
- Already five points more in the second half than in the first half of the season
- Last three defeats in a row
Stuttgart form & balance check
VfB Stuttgart are once again in a dicey situation to stay in the Bundesliga. A poor start to the season with nine games without a win eventually led to the dismissal of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. Things didn’t get much better under Michael Wimmer and Bruno Labbadia after that.
Now Sebastian Hoeneß is on the sidelines and led VfB Stuttgart directly to the semi-finals of the DFB Cup. There, however, the Swabians were eliminated by Frankfurt. In the relegation battle, Stuttgart has also missed out on an important three points in recent weeks. This was also the case the previous week, when VfB played strongly against Leverkusen, but still had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Thus, VfB is in 17th place in the table before the last two games.
Anton as stabiliser
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß has been using a three-man backline since he took over. This means that Waldemar Anton can finally play in his usual position in central defence again. The 1.89-metre-tall punter is essential for Stuttgart’s defence.
He has been in the starting line-up for 37 consecutive Bundesliga matches without interruption – a remarkable streak that is currently unmatched by any other outfield player in the Bundesliga. Anton has thus established himself as an important part of the team and is indispensable. However, the 26-year-old already has four yellow cards to his name. If he is cautioned on Sunday, Anton would be suspended on the last matchday.
Stuttgart facts & analysis
- First away win this season
- The fourth weakest offence in the league
- Only four points ahead of bottom of the table Hertha
Predicted line-up – last update on 19 May 2023
Mainz will again operate in the well-rehearsed 3-4-2-1. Ajorque will be looking to build on his performances from a few weeks ago in attack. Andreas Hanche-Olsen is out in central defence on Sunday with a yellow suspension.
Stuttgart will also start in a 3-4-2-1 again. Sosa and Vagnoman are expected to provide scoring danger again on the tracks through crosses. Serhou Guirassy, meanwhile, will be looking to score his eleventh goal of the season in the centre of attack.
Mainz – Stuttgart direct comparison & stats
In 33 meetings between the two teams so far, the Swabians have had the upper hand in 13 games, while Mainz have twelve wins to their name. In addition, eight games ended in a draw. The first leg in Swabia ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Mainz have not won any of their last five matches against Stuttgart.
- Mainz have failed to score in 3 of their 16 home matches in the Bundesliga this season.
- When Mainz lead 1-0 in home games, they win 54% of them
- Stuttgart have failed to score in 4 of their 16 away matches in the Bundesliga this season
