Prediction and odds for the game: Mainz (11/2) v RB Leipzig (2/5)
We are backing the away win
When: Sunday, 24th May 2020, Kick-off 14:30
Where: The Opel Arena
On Sunday afternoon, Mainz host RB Leipzig at the Opel Arena in the Bundesliga, as both teams look for vital points at different ends of the German top-flight table.
Mainz
The home side still need points to steer clear of 16th place and the relegation play-off spot. They are now just four points clear of Fortuna Dusseldorf who occupy the dreaded play-off berth.
Mainz’s recent Bundesliga form has been mixed. Achim Beierlorzer’s team has won two of their last ten matches in the German top-flight. However, a 2-2 draw at Koln last time out means that the home side are undefeated in three league outings, having won once and drawn twice.
Mainz have been a good team for neutrals to watch, as their league games are generally high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last nine Bundesliga matches.
Beierlorzer’s team have struggled for home wins of late, winning just once in seven games on home soil. They are three home matches unbeaten in the German top-flight, recording one win and two draws. Their recent home league matches have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last six matches.
The recent history of meetings between these two teams does not bode well for a home win, as they have won just one of the last seven meetings with RB Leipzig.
RB Leipzig
Julian Nagelsmann’s team drew 1-1 at home against Freiburg last time out. The result may just prove to end the visitor’s title challenge, as Leipzig are now seven points behind the league’s dominant force Bayern Munich. Die Roten Bullen may also be nervously looking over their shoulders at fifth-place Bayer Leverkusen, who are now just a point behind the visitors in the race for the last Champions League spot.
The visitors need to regain some form, Leipzig have won just two of their previous eight matches in the Bundesliga. However, they are now unbeaten in seven league games. The big issue has been too many draws, as they have drawn their last three league matches, and five of their last seven league games have finished all-square.
A poor away record could well prove a decisive factor in Leipzig’s title challenge, as Nagelsmann’s team has won just once in their last five Bundesliga games on their travels. Uncharacteristically, RB Leipzig have failed to score in three of their last four league matches on the road.
Conclusion
Both teams have liked a draw of late in the German top-flight. However, we are backing the away win, as Leipzig cannot afford to slip up in the race for fourth place. We are also taking a punt on under 2.5 goals scored, due to Leipzig’s recent struggles in front of goal on their travels.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 2/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 7/4. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Which team will further their aims for the season in this clash?
