Mainz vs FC Koln prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2024-04-27 15:30.
[p]For the first time since August, Mainz headed into the weekend outside of the Bundesliga relegation zone. A 1-1 draw at Freiburg extended their unbeaten streak to five matches (W3, D2), with only the top-two sides in the division beating Mainz since Bo Henriksen was appointed (W4, D3, L2) – a run that sees them within touching distance of being safe from automatic relegation.[/p]
[p]The home faithful at the Mewa Arena could cheer their resurgent players clear of danger as they welcome 17th-placed Cologne, a side Mainz have enjoyed hosting down the years (W11, D4, L4). The 05ers are also unbeaten in six games on home soil this season (W4, D2) – a run that includes an active three-match winning streak – so Henriksen will be quietly confident they can continue to pull clear of the dotted line here.[/p]
[p]Time is seriously running out on Cologne’s survival bid, with this trip to Mainz having a win-or-bust feeling around it. The Billy Goats enter the round five points adrift of even the relegation play-off position after a damaging 2-0 defeat to basement boys Darmstadt last week, a result which extended their dismal run of form to just one win in ten matches (D4, L5).[/p]
[p]It’s clear where Cologne’s problems lie, as they’ve netted a league-low 23 goals so far this term. That’s their lowest such total at this stage since 2001/02 – a season in which they were ominously relegated. Hitting the road looks unlikely to get the goals flowing as Cologne are winless in eight Bundesliga away matches (D5, L3) – failing to score in all three defeats – while the only side they’ve beaten on their travels in the league this term is Darmstadt.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Forward Jonathan Burkardt has been the driving force behind Mainz’s transformation, directly contributing to seven goals in as many matches (G5, A2). Cologne are badly in need of a goal from captain Florian Kainz, as he’s lost just one of his last 14 scoring appearances (W9, D4).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Of the 53 goals Cologne have conceded in the Bundesliga this season, 35 came after half-time.[/p]