Wolfsburg vs Mainz

A closely-contested race for European placings is heating up in the Bundesliga as Wolfsburg and Mainz go head-to-head at the Volkswagen Arena.

Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac heaped praise on his side following a 5-1 demolition of Bochum last weekend after his team netted at least five times in three separate Bundesliga fixtures for the first time since their 2008/09 title-winning season. Having lost just once in their last eight league outings (W3, D4), ‘Die Wolfe’ may miss out on another title celebration, yet European qualification remains on the cards. But the hosts must rediscover their winning touch at home to bolster their top-six hopes after going winless in their last six top-flight home matches (D4, L2) since humbling Freiburg 6-0 in January. Given that Wolfsburg emerged victorious 5-0 in their previous encounter here, and considering that none of the last four head-to-head matches held at this venue have witnessed less than 2.5 goals, it is likely that this fixture will provide some entertainment.

In the meantime, visiting Mainz came frm behind to beat perennial champions Bayern Munich 3-1 at home last time out, maintaining a two-point distance from seventh-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Inspired by a mind-blowing ten-match unbeaten run in the top-flight (W6, D4), Bo Svensson’s men come into proceedings, seeking only their second league win at Wolfsburg in their last nine visits (W1, D3, L5). Consistency hasn’t been Mainz’s strong suit on the road in 2023 by any stretch of the imagination, as their six away league matches this calendar year have fluctuated between different outcomes (W2, D3, L1). With just one clean sheet across those six travels, the visitors may have to rely on their scoring prowess to get the job done.