For Mainz, the alarm bells are ringing loudly. Eight league games without a win, just one victory all season, and four red cards, it’s chaos at the Mewa Arena. Interim coach Benjamin Hoffmann steps in after Bo Henriksen’s exit, trying to steady a sinking ship that’s been taking on water for weeks. Injuries to key players like Robin Zentner and Anthony Caci haven’t helped, while Paul Nebel’s suspension after his red card in Freiburg adds another headache. With the worst disciplinary record in the league, Mainz must find composure fast. Can Hoffmann’s debut bring the spark they desperately need? It’s hard to say, but one thing’s sure: the pressure couldn’t be heavier.

Looking at the numbers, Mainz average just 0.83 goals per game and concede 1.67, that’s not a formula for survival. They’ve gone over 1.5 goals in 67% of their matches but struggle to finish chances. Their average of 25.17 fouls per match shows a side trying to compensate for tactical gaps with aggression. Corners are another angle – 8.16 per game on average, a sign they push forward but lack the final touch. Still, the home crowd might provide a boost, and with Hoffmann’s fresh approach, fans will hope for a tighter defense and more discipline.

On the other hand, Borussia Monchengladbach look steadier under Eugen Polanski. After a rocky start, they’ve climbed to mid-table with 13 points, even if the DFB-Pokal exit to St. Pauli hurt. Their 1.8 goals scored per game is among the better tallies outside the top six, and with striker Haris Tabakovic netting eight times in twelve matches, they’ve finally got a focal point. The Foals also like to play on the front foot, averaging 10.6 corners per game and over 25 fouls in total. That’s a lot of intensity, maybe even too much at times. Still, they look more cohesive and confident than their hosts.

Historically, Mainz have had the upper hand, unbeaten in their last five meetings with Gladbach, including a 3–1 away win in March. But form tells a different story now. Gladbach’s attack looks sharp, Mainz’s defense shaky. A tight, physical game feels inevitable, with both sides scrapping for control. Expect plenty of tackles, set pieces, and maybe a few cards flying around. For bettors, this fixture fits perfectly with our Bundesliga Predictions focus: a hard-fought, tense battle likely decided by moments rather than flow.

Mainz 05 are moving quickly to appoint a successor to Bo Henriksen after days of internal talks led to a mutual separation. Sporting director Christian Heidel confirmed that a new, currently unattached coach has already been identified, with Urs Fischer emerging as a fitting candidate for the club’s relegation battle. The interim role of Benjamin Hoffmann will end after the Gladbach match. Source: kicker.de