Watch FSV Mainz 05 vs Augsburg Preview And Prediction Bundesliga 2017

Mainz 05 vs Augsburg predictions for this weekend’s Bundesliga action. Mainz haven’t lost to Augsburg since November 2011 (W6 D1). While there wasn’t any change to management or significant investment made since the end of last season, Augsburg look a much more rounded side in their 2017/18 campaign. Augsburg head into this off the back of a 2-1 win at home to Wolfsburg, and though they’d won just one of their seven Bundesliga outings prior (W1 D3 L3), this was arguably the toughest run of fixtures of any side over the last few months. A total of 19 points from 13 games is the Bavarian’s second-best ever tally in the Bundesliga, the only better time being in 2014/15 (21) where they qualified for the Europa League.

Mainz on the other hand have just 15 points, their second-lowest return since promotion in 2009, and head into this off the back of a 2-1 defeat on the road to the struggling SC Freiburg. At home is where the 05ers thrive though, unbeaten in four consecutive matches, over which they’ve taken 10 of a possible 12 points (W3 D1). Mainz coach Sandro Schwarz also has one more trick up his sleeve – the 05ers are Augsburg’s “bogey side”, having taken the maximum three points against them in six of the last seven meetings (W6 D1), their longest such run against any top flight club.

While the hosts are in marginally worse current form than Augsburg, from a betting perspective, we like the look of backing them “draw no bet” this weekend. Mainz have lost at home to only European candidates Hoffenheim since the start of September (W4 D1 L1), over which they’ve beaten off opponents as strong as Leverkusen and Hertha, alongside “winnable” fixtures at home to Hamburg and Cologne. As mentioned before, Augsburg haven’t had the easiest run, but their inconsistency on the road this season (W2 D2 L2), which includes a defeat to struggling Hamburg, cannot be ignored.

Regarding a correct score prediction, there’s not much between them in terms of recent defensive form – both teams have held just one clean sheet over their last seven league outings – so goals at both ends wouldn’t be unreasonable. Mainz have, however, been scoring much more consistently at the Opel Arena than Augsburg have on the road. Mainz are averaging almost two goals per match at home since the start of September, while the visitors are looking at just over one goal per match away from home over the same number. For us, Mainz to clinch the win seems about the best price. Our prediction: a 2-1 Mainz win.

Head To Head
Mainz won 2-0 at home to Augsburg when the two sides last met in February. Mainz have won all but one of the last 7 meetings between them (W6 D1).

Mainz vs Augsburg Stats
Mainz have lost just one of their last six Bundesliga home outings (W4 D1 L1). Augsburg have lost or drawn in 67% of theirs on the road this term. Over 2.5 goals were scored in 67% of Augsburg's away matches.

Mainz Team News
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner should continue between the sticks in place of the injured Rene Adler. Forward Yoshinori Muto looks set to miss the visit of Augsburg, while Abdou Diallo – the France U21 captain – is also a doubt due to a knee problem. Italian right-back Giulio Donati returns from suspension.

Augsburg Team News
Augsburg's Rani Khedira was withdrawn early during last week's 2-1 win against Wolfsburg so could sit this one out. Martin Hinteregger is likely to replace compatriot Kevin Danso in defense.