Eight Bundesliga games without a win, only six points from twelve games and four red cards – FSV Mainz 05 is in the midst of a real crisis going into its home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Mewa Arena. Following the departure of coach Bo Henriksen, the club is under enormous pressure, and interim coach Benjamin Hoffmann must deliver results immediately to prevent them from falling completely out of touch with the middle of the table. Mainz has only picked up three points this season, and the league’s worst fair play record with four red cards provides further cause for concern. The personnel situation exacerbates the whole thing, with Paul Nebel suspended after his red card in Freiburg and regular goalkeeper Robin Zentner missing from the Conference League due to an adductor injury. Borussia Mönchengladbach seem more stable under Eugen Polanski, but with 13 points they are not out of the woods yet either, having recently drawn 0-0 with RB Leipzig and suffered a surprise cup exit against St. Pauli. Mainz has the upper hand in recent head-to-head matches, remaining unbeaten in the last five encounters with Gladbach with two wins and three draws, most recently a 3-1 victory in March this year at Borussia-Park, but current form puts these statistics into perspective. In terms of personnel, the absences of both teams are somewhat balanced, with Gladbach’s striker Tabakovic clearly the hottest offensive weapon, having scored eight times in twelve competitive games.
- Venue: Mewa Arena, Mainz
- Date and time: December 5, 2025, 8:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga (matchday 13)
The betting market rates Mainz slightly ahead with odds of around 2.4, although Gladbach currently appear to be in better form. The Foals are traveling with three competitive wins in a row and a striker in good form, Tabakovic having scored eight goals in twelve games. Mainz will be without key players Robin Zentner and Anthony Caci, and Paul Nebel is suspended. In addition, they have recently had a very vulnerable defense, as was evident in their 4-0 defeat in Freiburg. Under these circumstances, there is potential value in betting on Gladbach to win. Recommended bets, without any guarantee of success, are therefore: Firstly, Gladbach to win at odds of 2.8, a value play based on their form and personnel situation. Secondly, double chance X2 as a more conservative option if Mainz appear more stable at home than they have recently. Thirdly, over 2.5 goals, based on Gladbach’s offensive power and Mainz’s shaky defense; many of both teams’ recent games have exceeded this mark. Fourthly, both teams to score: yes, because Mainz has conceded goals in each of its last five games and Gladbach often finishes its chances. Combination bets can increase the excitement, but they also increase the variance, so only a small percentage of your available betting capital should be used for them. As a general rule, only bet money that you can comfortably afford to lose. Uncertainties remain in the form of last-minute changes before kickoff, such as personnel decisions, tactical adjustments, or weather conditions. In addition, odds can shift quickly, which is why tips should be critically reviewed when new information becomes available.
Mainz Form & Record Check
Mainz is in an acute crisis after eight Bundesliga games without a win and only one victory this season, so the change of coach to Benjamin Hoffmann is more of a short-term reaction than a solution to the deeper problems. These lie in an unstable defense, an overly harmless offense, especially in the first halves, and poor discipline, evidenced by four red cards in twelve games. Injuries such as those to goalkeeper Robin Zentner and Anthony Caci further exacerbate the situation. Essentially, the main problems can be summarized as follows: firstly, there is a lack of defensive organization and mental stability, with Mainz frequently conceding goals and collapsing too easily when outnumbered. Secondly, the offense, especially before the break, is not powerful enough. Thirdly, recurring disciplinary offences resulting in red cards and suspensions are causing unrest. Fourthly, injuries, especially in goal, are creating personnel gaps. In the short term, over a period of about zero to four weeks, clear, simple principles are needed, a compact back four, low risk in build-up play, and consistent securing of second balls. Short video sessions to analyze mistakes and a stronger focus on defensive set pieces and transition moments can help to restore initial stability. A rotation plan is needed for injured or suspended players, including immediate backup in goal, for example via a loan keeper or an experienced substitute. In addition, it may be useful to move defensively strong midfielders into deeper roles. Tactically, a more defensive formation such as a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 with two physically robust eights or sixes would be a temporary option to close the spaces between the lines. Pressing should be more selective and better coordinated so that the team does not run into open danger. When outnumbered, unnecessary tactical fouls should be avoided; instead, a compact block play with deep positioning must be rehearsed. This needs to be accompanied by a clear program for discipline and mentality, with fixed rules of conduct, more individual support, for example from a sports psychologist, sanctions for repeated fouls and red cards, and training sessions on decision-making and frustration control. Transparent communication management is also important; the change of coach and the measures taken should be explained openly both internally and externally to avoid causing panic. In the medium term, especially in the next transfer window, the focus should be on an experienced center back or defensive midfielder who can provide immediate stability, as well as a reliable goalkeeper as a long-term solution. On the offensive side, a fast player with strong finishing skills would help, provided that the budget and needs allow for it; a loan with an option to buy reduces the risk. For sporting director Christian Heidel, this means defining clear criteria for winter transfers, such as experience, mentality, and immediate availability, and systematically evaluating squad and performance data such as tackle rates, card frequency, and expected goals. In communication with fans and the media, an honest but constructive approach is needed. In the short term, trust must be regained through visible measures such as recognizable training content and clear tactics. In the long term, patience must be demanded, but backed up with concrete performance targets such as points targets after six weeks. Overall, the crisis is complex, affecting tactics, personnel, and mentality. In the short term, defense and discipline must be stabilized. In the medium term, targeted reinforcements and structural adjustments are necessary. A stringent and transparent approach increases the chances of rapid consolidation.
Mainz are likely to play a 3-4-2-1 formation in their home game. Lasse Rieß is expected to start in goal, as regular goalkeeper Robin Zentner is out with an adductor injury. Anthony Caci is missing from defense with thigh problems, and Hanche-Olsen is expected to be part of the back three. In midfield, the team will benefit from the fact that there was some rotation in the Conference League game, with Sano and Maloney expected to start in the center. In attack, Lee and Amiri could play as deep-lying forwards behind center forward Nordin, but the attacking area looks manageable overall, especially as there has been recent public criticism of Nelson Weiper. In addition, Paul Nebel is unavailable after his sending-off in Freiburg.
Gladbach form & record check
The Foals have stabilized significantly after a disastrous start to the season. Gladbach has won three of its last four Bundesliga games, climbing from the bottom of the table to twelfth place, even if the recent 0-0 draw against Leipzig was rather lackluster. Under coach Eugen Polanski, the team’s form is generally on the up. A recurring pattern remains noticeable, with many first halves being uneventful or goalless, but the team often picking up the pace after the break. In the last five games, there have regularly been more than 1.5 goals in the second half, which points to effective tactical adjustments in the dressing room or increased effectiveness after the break. However, the bitter DFB Cup elimination against St. Pauli, with a 1-2 defeat and a late goal in the 83rd minute, was a setback and shows that Gladbach is not yet performing consistently over 90 minutes. This evening could have a psychological impact in particular. Offensively, however, things are going well, with Mergim Tabaković in scoring mood and eight goals in twelve competitive games. Jan-Hendrik Kleindienst provides quality as an alternative, even though Polanski has mostly played with a lone striker and flanking playmakers such as Honorat, but theoretically, the two strikers could play together. In terms of personnel, there are concerns in midfield in particular, with Florian Neuhaus, Marco Sander, and Castrop all missing at the same time, which limits the rotation options. Hack and Ngoumou are out on the wings, although the latter could return soon. Defensively, the team looks much more stable than at the start of the season with Elvedi and Friedrich, while Nicolas is delivering solid performances in goal as regular keeper Omlin is out with adductor problems. Gladbach are eleventh in the table with 13 points, just two points behind Union and one point ahead of Hamburg. They are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, but there is still room for improvement. Overall, the trend is positive, with stabilization and decent form in attack, but consistency and depth in the squad remain crucial for this trend to continue.
Coach Eugen Polanski is likely to field a back three of Scally, Elvedi, and Diks for Borussia Mönchengladbach, with Honorat and Netz playing on the wings. Engelhardt and Stöger are expected to play in central midfield as a double eight. Injuries and illnesses are limiting the rotation options, as Neuhaus, Marco Sander, and Castrop are all out at the same time. In attack, Reyna and Machino are expected to play behind striker Tabakovic, who is in strong form with eight goals in twelve competitive games. Jan-Hendrik Kleindienst could start on the bench, as he only played for one minute in the last game. Nicolas is expected to start in goal, as regular keeper Omlin is out with adductor problems, and Hack is also unavailable for the attack.
Mainz – Gladbach Head-to-head & statistics
Mainz are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Borussia Mönchengladbach, with two wins and three draws, while Gladbach have failed to win during this period. Mainz won the most recent encounter in March 2025 with a 3-1 away win at Borussia-Park, following a 4-0 win and several high-scoring draws, including 1-1 and 2-2. Overall, all five games were rather offensive, with at least two goals scored per game, often significantly more. Mainz scored at least once in each of these encounters, while Gladbach conceded goals in all five games. In the last three meetings, Mainz took the lead in the first half, which put Gladbach under early pressure and had a significant impact on the course of the game.
