Bochum vs Mainz

Mainz and Bochum are poised for a pivotal showdown with significant implications for their campaigns. As the league nears its final two matches, Bochum languish at the foot of the table, while Mainz chase a European spot. Here’s our take on how this encounter might unfold.

For the second consecutive year, Bochum are fighting to survive via the relegation playoffs. However, their fate is no longer theirs to decide. They must secure victories in both remaining games and rely on the two teams above them stumbling in both of theirs.

It’s a tall order, and Bochum seem destined to prepare for life in Bundesliga 2. Their recent 0-0 stalemate against Heidenheim extended their winless streak to seven games.

Mainz, meanwhile, appeared on course for European qualification, but their hopes have faded. Entering the second-to-last round, they’ve slipped to seventh place after a seven-game winless run.

Under Bo Henriksen, Mainz have fallen short of their early-season promise. They arrive here without a win in seven outings, suffering three defeats in that span.

Their latest match saw them fight back for a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. Mainz will take heart from their strong record against Bochum, having triumphed in four of the last five encounters.

Bochum has won three of their prior head-to-head matches, while Mainz has won five, with one game ending in a draw. Jonathan Burkardt's brace helped the "05ers" upset the "Unbreakables" 2-0 at home in the opening round of this season. The home team has notably scored more than once in three of their last four games at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, where they have done so consistently.

The team must win both their next away game against St. Pauli and their encounter against Mainz. Dieter Hecking's protégés have to put in their best effort and hope for a miracle, or, to put it another way, that their opponents will drop points. It's important to remember that Bochum has lost seven straight games. Positively, they have managed to salvage two draws following a run of five losses. Maybe this game is the ideal chance to finally start winning again.