Stuttgart Aims for Momentum Against Mainz in Bundesliga Clash
Match Preview
Stuttgart will visit the MEWA Arena on Saturday, looking to maintain their strong push for a spot in the top four of the Bundesliga this season.
Mainz’s Struggles
Mainz has struggled to secure a win in the Bundesliga since their 2-0 triumph over Augsburg earlier in February. Following that victory, they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund and managed only two draws with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen. This series of results has placed them deeper into the battle against relegation. However, coach Urs Fischer’s team will draw confidence from their positive performances at home, where they have achieved three victories and two draws in their last five outings.
Team News
The home side will be missing several key players, including Robin Zentner, Maxim Dal, and Andreas Hanche-Olsen for the match. Dominik Kohr, Stefan Posch, and Kacper Potulski are expected to form the defensive line, and Stefan Bell is back from injury. Meanwhile, Anthony Caci will remain sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
Stuttgart’s Recent Form
Stuttgart has bolstered their top-four aspirations with a stunning 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Wolfsburg. Goals from Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, and Nikolas Nartey contributed to their rise to 46 points, placing them securely in fourth position, just two points ahead of fifth-place RB Leipzig.
Stuttgart’s Injury Update
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß welcomed defenders Dan-Axel Zagadou and Julian Chabot back to training, although both are likely to start on the bench. Josha Vagnoman is still recovering from a thigh injury. Additionally, Bilal El Khannouss is unavailable due to suspension, while Leweling, Undav, and Chris Führich are set to support Ermedin Demirović in attack.
Predicted Lineups
Mainz:
Batz – Kohr, Posch, Potulski – Widmer, Kai Sano, Mwene – Nebel, Lee – Becker, P. Tietz.
Stuttgart:
Nübel – Assignon, Jeltsch, Hendriks, Mittelstädt – Chema, Stiller – Leweling, Undav, Führich – Demirović.
