Mainz v Hamburg

Two improving sides meet on Friday night for an interesting Bundesliga match up. Who will grab the points?

Mainz v Hamburg – MEWA Arena 20:30 CET

Team News:

Mainz are dealing with a lengthy absentee list, with defenders Caci, Dal, and Bell all unavailable. Goalkeeper Zentner is also out, Silvan Widmer is suspended, and Anders Hanche-Olsen is not fully fit.

Hamburg have their own concerns: key striker Luka Vuskovic is suspended, Lokonga is sidelined through injury, and Nicolas Capaldo remains a doubt. On the positive side, Fabio Balde has been passed fit to play.

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Formations:

3-5-2 under new coach Urs Fischer who had a run of 3 victories halted by Dortmund last match.

3-4-3 the main formation for Hamburg, although it transitions to 3-4-2-1.  Direct, speedy approach with less possession.

Statistics:

Referee: Robin Braun (Average cards 4.59 Yellow 0.09 Red)

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Match Preview:

Mainz currently sit 14th in the table, just two points clear of the relegation playoff spot. They had been in good form with three wins from their previous four matches, however they were comprehensively beaten 4–0 by Dortmund last time out.

Hamburg, meanwhile, are up to 9th. Although only three places away from the European positions, they still face a sizeable 14‑point gap. Their recent form is steady—unbeaten in five with two wins and three draws. However, their away record remains poor, with just one victory on the road this season, which came in their most recent trip to Heidenheim.

Betting Preview:

Two improving sides meet in this important bottom of the table clash. The teams at this end of the table are all heavily condensed with just 6 points separating 9^th and 16^th. Long missing lists for both sides also. Not much between the sides and 1 point each looks the bets option. Take the draw at a good price here.