Mainz vs Stuttgart – News and Probable Lineups
In a bid to enhance their Champions League aspirations in the Bundesliga, Stuttgart will head to Mainz 05 for a fixture at MEWA Arena on Saturday.
Die Nullfunfer are on the hunt for their first victory in four matches, while Die Roten aim to capitalize on their last match’s success.
Match overview
When Urs Fischer took charge of Mainz last year, the club was in a precarious position. Although he has navigated them to safety with a series of promising results, their recent performances have faltered, putting them at risk of slipping back into the relegation zone.
Last weekend, Die Nullfunfer managed to secure a point with a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. While this result is commendable considering the difference in league standings, it also marks their winless streak at three games, their longest since early December.
Currently, Fischer’s team sits 14th in the standings, with a total of 23 points, just one point above 16th-placed Werder Bremen and three points above the 17th-placed Wolfsburg.
As they look to get back on track this Saturday, the hosts can draw confidence from their solid record at MEWA Arena, having achieved three wins and two draws in their last five home games.
Additionally, Mainz has scored eight goals in their four home matches during 2026, and they have kept three clean sheets in their last six home games across all competitions.
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On the other hand, Sebastian Hoeness’s Stuttgart have emerged as unexpected contenders for a spot in the Champions League this season, having surpassed teams like Leverkusen in the race for European qualification.
However, their position in the competition could be jeopardized this weekend as they currently hold fourth place, just two points ahead of fifth-placed RB Leipzig and three points above sixth-placed Werkself.
Moreover, Die Roten have scored three or more goals in each of their last three league outings, and their attacking prowess may prove to be a significant advantage this weekend against the struggling defense of one of the relegation-threatened teams.
Visiting fans will also be optimistic regarding their team’s prospects, as Stuttgart has achieved three wins, one draw, and just one loss in their last five away league matches, including a total of 15 goals during this run.
Team News
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Mainz will be without goalkeeping options as Robin Zentner (groin), along with center-backs Maxim Dal (knee) and Andreas Hanche-Olsen (muscle), are all sidelined. However, Stefan Bell returns from his own knee injury and may be included in the matchday squad.
To cover the gaps, Fischer might deploy Dominik Kohr, Bell, and Stefan Posch in a back three, with Phillipp Mwene and Danny da Costa as wing-backs, while Anthony Caci misses out due to a hamstring issue.
In addition, midfielders Nadiem Amiri and Kasey Bos are out with heel and shoulder injuries, respectively, and Sota Kawasaki is also a doubt after sustaining a muscle injury. If none are available, expect to see Lee Jae-sung, Kaishu Sano, and Paul Nebel in the lineup.
For Stuttgart, the injury list has seen some improvements as center-backs Dan-Axel Zagadou and Julian Chabot have returned to training, but right-back Josha Vagnoman is still unavailable due to a thigh injury.
In his absence, Lorenz Assignon is expected to fill in at right-back, joining center-halves Finn Jeltsch and Chabot along with left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt.
Further up the pitch, Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav, and Chris Fuhrich are likely to support striker Ermedin Demirovic, as attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannous is suspended and 19-year-old winger Lazar Jovanovic is out with a back injury.
Mainz 05 probable starting XI:
Batz; Posch, Bell, Kohr; Da Costa, Lee, Sano, Nebel, Mwene; Becker, Tietz
Stuttgart probable starting XI:
Nubel; Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Undav, Fuhrich; Demirovic
Although Mainz have faced difficulties in securing wins lately, their home performance indicates they may put up a solid challenge this weekend.
Stuttgart enter this match as the favorites, but it’s uncertain whether they can overcome the resilience of their opponents to secure all three points.
Who will win Saturday’s Bundesliga clash between Mainz and Stuttgart?
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