Hoffenheim vs. Mainz 05 Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 12 April 2025 - bettingexpert
The upcoming Bundesliga clash at PreZero Arena sees Hoffenheim take on Mainz 05, with the match kicking off at 14:30. This fixture is crucial for both sides as the season reaches its 29th round. Mainz 05, currently 4th on the table with 46 points, are chasing a Champions League spot. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, find themselves in a fight to avoid relegation, sitting 14th with 27 points.
Mainz 05 have shown strong form recently, with a 2-2-1 record from their last five games, including notable results against Borussia Moenchengladbach and RB Leipzig. Hoffenheim’s recent form has been less impressive, with a 1-2-2 record, struggling particularly in front of goal and with various key injuries.
The bookmakers slightly favour Mainz 05, and given their superior form and attacking prowess, this isn’t surprising. Added to this, our recommended bet is a Mainz 05 victory, with historical data also supporting this, as Mainz 05 have performed well in away fixtures against Hoffenheim.
This match fits into the broader narrative of Mainz’s push for European qualification and Hoffenheim’s battle against relegation, making it a fascinating fixture in the Bundesliga calendar.
Hoffenheim vs Mainz 05 Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the recent form and statistical data, our recommended betting tip for this clash is a Mainz 05 victory. Mainz 05 have shown a positive track record, securing 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games. In contrast, Hoffenheim have struggled with just 1 win in their recent fixtures.
| Hoffenheim vs Mainz 05 Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Mainz 05 to win | 2.50 |
Why this prediction is solid:
- Current Form: Mainz 05 have a 2-2-1 record, indicating better form compared to Hoffenheim’s 1-2-2.
- Historical Advantage: Mainz 05 have historically performed well in away matches against Hoffenheim.
- Stronger Position: Mainz 05 are 4th on the table, fighting for a Champions League spot, while Hoffenheim are battling relegation.
With Mainz 05’s superior recent performances and Hoffenheim’s struggles, placing a bet on an away win seems a smart choice.
Hoffenheim vs Mainz 05 Odds
| Hoffenheim vs Mainz 05 Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Hoffenheim to win | 2.71 |
| Draw | 3.44 |
| Mainz 05 to win | 2.50 |
Mainz 05 enters this match as the bookmaker’s favourite. Given their stronger form and league position, they stand a good chance of clinching a victory. Hoffenheim will need to leverage their home advantage to overturn the odds.
Hoffenheim’s recent struggles are reflected in their higher odds, making them the underdogs in this encounter. With both teams having their share of injuries, this match could still be a closely contested affair.
Hoffenheim Team Analysis
Hoffenheim Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB Leipzig | Hoffenheim | 2025-04-05 | Bundesliga | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Hoffenheim | Augsburg | 2025-03-29 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| St. Pauli | Hoffenheim | 2025-03-14 | Bundesliga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Hoffenheim | FC Heidenheim | 2025-03-09 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Bochum | Hoffenheim | 2025-03-01 | Bundesliga | 0-1 (Win) |
Hoffenheim has had rocky recent form, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five Bundesliga matches. They have averaged 0.80 goals per game during this stretch, indicating struggles in front of goal.
Clean sheets have been a rarity, with only one in their last five games. Hoffenheim’s defensive frailties are highlighted by conceding an average of 1.8 goals per match this season.
With injuries and suspensions impacting the team, Christian Ilzer faces the challenge of steering Hoffenheim away from a relegation battle.
Hoffenheim Key Players
Hoffenheim’s key players this season include their top scorer, Andrej Kramaric, who has netted 8 goals. He’s expected to carry much of the attacking burden. Another crucial player is veteran goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, whose shot-stopping abilities can be a game changer for the team, especially given their defensive vulnerabilities.
Andrej Kramaric will be pivotal in the midfield, creating chances and linking play. Key individual battles to watch out for include Kramaric against Mainz’s top scorer Jonathan Burkardt, expected to drive the offense for the away side.
Expected lineup for Hoffenheim:
- Goalkeeper: Oliver Baumann
- Defenders: Valentin Gendrey, Arthur Chaves, Kevin Akpoguma, Stanley Nsoki
- Midfielders: Anton Stach, Tom Bischof, Bazoumana Toure, Andrej Kramaric, Marius Bülter
- Attacker: Haris Tabakovic
Hoffenheim Suspensions & Injuries
Hoffenheim is dealing with a significant number of injuries and a key suspension that could impact their performance. Defender Leo Østigard is serving a suspension following a red card and will miss the next two matches.
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Østigard | Red card | 2 matches left |
In addition to suspensions, Hoffenheim has several injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ozan Kabak | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2025 |
| Ihlas Bebou | Knee surgery | Late April 2025 |
| Grischa Prömel | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Christopher Lenz | Calf injury | Late April 2025 |
| Diadié Samassékou | Hamstring injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Alexander Prass | Ankle injury | Mid April 2025 |
Having these key players out, especially defenders like Ozan Kabak and Leo Østigard, may weaken Hoffenheim’s defensive solidity, making their task against Mainz 05 even more challenging.
Hoffenheim Tactics and Formation
Hoffenheim Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Haris Tabaković
- Creative Spark: Andrej Kramarić (Attacking Midfielder)
- Defensive Midfield Duo: Anton Stach and Tom Bischof
- Defensive Challenge: Missing key defender Leo Østigard due to suspension
Hoffenheim will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solidity at the back and creativity up front. Haris Tabaković will spearhead the attack, supported by Andrej Kramarić in the attacking midfield role, whose vision and goal-scoring ability make him crucial to breaking down Mainz’s defense.
In midfield, Anton Stach and Tom Bischof will provide a dual defensive shield, crucial for breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball forward. However, the absence of Leo Østigard due to suspension will pose a defensive challenge, necessitating strong performances from Arthur Chaves and Kevin Akpoguma at the heart of the defense.
Mainz 05 Team Analysis
Mainz 05 Recent Performance
- Recent Form: DLDWW
Mainz 05 has exhibited a well-rounded performance in their last five Bundesliga matches, highlighting their consistency and resilience. Despite a setback against Borussia Dortmund, they have managed to bounce back with two significant victories. - Average Goals Scored: 1.80 in the last 5 games
- Clean Sheets: 0 in the last 5 games
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainz 05 | Holstein Kiel | 2025-04-05 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Borussia Dortmund | Mainz 05 | 2025-03-30 | Bundesliga | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Mainz 05 | Freiburg | 2025-03-15 | Bundesliga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Borussia Moenchengladbach | Mainz 05 | 2025-03-07 | Bundesliga | 1-3 (Win) |
| RB Leipzig | Mainz 05 | 2025-03-01 | Bundesliga | 1-2 (Win) |
Mainz 05’s ability to score consistently, averaging 1.80 goals in recent games, is a testament to their attacking prowess led by top scorer Jonathan Burkardt. Despite the absence of clean sheets, the team has managed to secure crucial points, maintaining their push for a higher league position.
Mainz 05 Key Players
Mainz 05’s squad features several key players who could be decisive in the upcoming fixture against Hoffenheim. Top scorer Jonathan Burkardt leads the line with 15 goals this season, showcasing his sharp attacking talent.
Expected lineup for Mainz 05:
- Goalkeeper: Robin Zentner
- Defenders: Dominik Kohr, Moritz Jenz, Andreas Hanche-Olsen
- Midfielders: Silvan Widmer, Kaishu Sano, Lennard Maloney, Phillipp Mwene, Paul Nebel, Jae-Sung Lee
- Attacker: Jonathan Burkardt
Watch for the midfield battle between Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach and Mainz 05’s Jae-Sung Lee. Burkardt’s clash with Hoffenheim’s defenders, notably Kevin Akpoguma, could be vital.
The cohesion in Mainz’s attacking unit will be crucial for the match’s outcome.
Mainz 05 Suspensions & Injuries
Mainz 05 faces a few challenges with key players missing due to suspensions and injuries. Here’s a look at who’s out and when they might return:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Stefan Bell | Hamstring | Late April 2025 |
| Maxim Dal | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Nadiem Amiri | Ankle injury | Early May 2025 |
| Anthony Caci | Cold | A few days |
| Danny da Costa | Muscle injury | A few days |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Nadiem Amiri | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
These absences, particularly Amiri and Bell, might hamper Mainz 05’s midfield and defensive stability. However, they still have strong squad depth to cope with these setbacks. Expect substitutes like Kaishu Sano and Dominik Kohr to step up into key roles.
Mainz 05 Tactics and Formation
Mainz 05 Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Jonathan Burkardt (15 goals)
- Midfield Dynamics: Kaishu Sano, Lennard Maloney
- Defensive Solidity: Three-defender backline led by Moritz Jenz
- Notable Strategy: Utilizing wing-backs for width and support
Mainz 05 are expected to adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation under coach Bo Henriksen, focusing on using wing-backs to stretch the game and provide attacking support. Jonathan Burkardt is the key forward, providing the main attacking threat as their top scorer. In midfield, Kaishu Sano and Lennard Maloney will look to control the centre of the pitch, linking play between defense and attack. Defensively, the three-man backline, anchored by Moritz Jenz, aims to maintain compactness. Despite recent results showing they can concede, their overall strategy revolves around quick transitions and exploiting the wings.
Hoffenheim vs Mainz 05 Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainz 05 | Hoffenheim | 2024-12-01 | Bundesliga | 2-0 (Win) |
| Mainz 05 | Hoffenheim | 2024-04-13 | Bundesliga | 4-1 (Win) |
| Hoffenheim | Mainz 05 | 2023-11-26 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Mainz 05 | Hoffenheim | 2023-03-04 | Bundesliga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Mainz 05 | Hoffenheim | 2023-01-14 | Club Friendly | 2-2 (Draw) |
In their last five encounters, Mainz 05 have clearly had the upper hand, securing three wins and two draws against Hoffenheim.
This record includes some notable victories, such as the commanding 4-1 win in April 2024.
These past results showcase Mainz’s historical dominance, making them the bookmakers’ favourites going into this match.
Odds accurate as of 10 April 2025 at 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
