Mainz vs Bochum prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2024-03-15 14:30.
[p]This is a huge contest for Mainz after their turbulent Bundesliga season hit a new low last weekend when they were thrashed 8-1 by Bayern Munich – that was the first time they’d conceded eight goals in a league game since a nightmare 8-0 defeat to RB Leipzig back in November 2019. That handed manager Bo Henriksen his second defeat since being appointed last month (W1, D1), and also left the 05ers a huge nine points from safety pre-round. [/p]
[p]The home side’s prospects of avoiding the drop are looking increasingly bleak, as no side has ever accumulated 16 points or fewer after 25 Bundesliga rounds and not succumbed to relegation. Yet, if they are to achieve a great escape, then securing a win in this ‘six-pointer’ against Bochum could set them on their way, and a record of eight wins from the 11 Bundesliga H2H meetings (D2, L1) should certainly inspire some confidence. [/p]
[p]Bochum’s situation is markedly different, as a win would not only extend the gap to the hosts, but also potentially expand the distance between them and 16th-placed Cologne, which was seven points at the start of the gameweek. The Blues are in a troublesome run of form though, and could suffer four successive league defeats for the first time since March 2023. [/p]
[p]Even up against the side sitting second from bottom, ending that streak is no guarantee when you take into account Bochum’s own struggles on the road this season. Thomas Letsch’s men have managed just one away win all season (D4, L7), and that came against basement boys Darmstadt back in November. They’ve very much been architects of their own downfall in matches of late, conceding at least once inside 31 minutes in each of their last four league road trips. [/p]
[p]Key battle: Forward Jonathan Burkardt looks set to be Mainz’s biggest threat given he’s scored in each of his last two home appearances. No player comes into the round having won more duels than Bochum’s defender Bernardo (361), although seven yellow cards already this season shows he can be guilty of overstepping the mark. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Bochum have conceded a Bundesliga-high 33 goals on the road this season. [/p]