Mainz vs Borussia M’Gladbach

April 14, 2011
By: John Hansen

Mainz will be looking to end the four-match winless run when they host bottom-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach and thus keep their advantage over the rivals for European places. The visitors, on the other hand, have closed the gap behind safety to four points with an impressive victory over Koln and they are hoping to continue the good run.

Six home games without a win

Led by talented coach Thomas Tuchel, Mainz have been showing massive progress ever since they gained promotions to the Bundesliga and they are now on the road ton ensure European qualification. Die Nullfunfer have shown a big dip in form following some impressive showings in the first part of the season, although they were very unlucky to drop points in several home games. If it hadn’t been for the away win over Hoffenheim and Hamburg, Mainz would now be out of the European places as they have taken just two points from last six home games. Thomas Tuchel is now determined to break the curse and will instruct his very good side to attack Borussia, although the hosts are likely to have problems at the back, not only because their opponents have scored five in the last round, but because Mainz will be missing several key defenders.

First choice keeper Heinz Muller is out with a muscle injury, while defenders Bo Svensson and Nikolce Noveski miss out through suspension.

Can Lucien Favre save Borussia?

Borussia Moenchengladbach slipped into the relegation zone at the very start of the season and midway through February it looked as though they were destined for the drop, but the arrival of coach Lucien Favre changes everything die Fohlen. The team went on to take 10 points from next seven games, with the 5:1 victory over Koln last weekend showing the team are on top of their game at the moment. With just five more games to go, Borussia sit two points adrift of the relegation play-off place and four points behind safety, meaning they have got to try and win this game as well. The visitors definitely have enough attacking potential to hurt weakened Mainz defence, with Idrissou, Hanke, Reus and Arango set to cause the hosts all sorts of problems.

Igor de Camargo, Jens Wissing and Jean-Sebastien Jaures are out through injury, but only De Camargo may be sorely missed.

Verdict

Mainz are desperate to end the barren home run and remain in contention for the Europa League place, meaning the hosts will not be afraid to attack Borussia. Die Fohlen are searching for precious survival points and they, too, will be looking for a win, with their task made easier by Mainz’s defensive problems. Therefore, I expect an open game and plenty of goals.

Our prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.76 (19/25)

Bookmaker: Betfair

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