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On Saturday, the 7th of May, the Opel Arena in Mainz will play host to a crucial Bundesliga encounter between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Schalke 04. With just three games left in the season, both teams will be eager to secure maximum points in a bid to retain their top-flight status for next season. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at both teams and what we can expect from this clash.
FSV Mainz 05
Currently sitting in 16th place, Mainz is in the relegation playoff position and is in desperate need of a win to boost their survival hopes. They are just one point ahead of 17th-placed Hertha Berlin and two points ahead of Schalke at the bottom of the table.
Mainz has struggled for form in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five games. However, their victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend will have given them a much-needed boost of confidence.
One player who will be key to Mainz’s chances of winning this game is striker Robin Quaison. The Swedish international has been in fine form this season, scoring eight goals in 30 appearances. He’ll be looking to add to that tally and help Mainz secure three crucial points.
In terms of tactics, we can expect Mainz to adopt a high-pressing game and look to attack Schalke from the outset. Their defence will need to be solid to prevent Schalke from scoring, but with home advantage on their side, they’ll be confident of getting a result.
FC Schalke 04
It’s been a nightmare season for Schalke, who are rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga table with just 13 points from 31 games. They have already been relegated to the second division, and it remains to be seen whether they can salvage any pride from the remaining games.
Despite their poor form, Schalke has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks. They picked up their first win of the season against Augsburg in mid-April, and they followed that up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Arminia Bielefeld.
One player who has impressed for Schalke this season is striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The veteran Dutchman has scored three goals in 10 appearances since rejoining the club in January. He’ll be looking to add to that tally and help Schalke end the season on a high note.
Schalke’s manager, Dimitrios Grammozis, will likely adopt a cautious approach and look to play on the counter-attack. With nothing to lose, Schalke can afford to take risks and look to catch Mainz off guard.
Prediction
This is a tough game to call, given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season. Mainz will be desperate for a win, but Schalke has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks.
Ultimately, we believe that Mainz’s home advantage and superior form will be enough to secure the three points. We predict a narrow 1-0 victory for Mainz, with Robin Quaison scoring the decisive goal.
Conclusion
This is a crucial game for both teams, and the result could have a significant impact on their respective fortunes this season. For Mainz, a win would take them one step closer to securing their Bundesliga status, while for Schalke, it’s a chance to salvage some pride from what has been a disastrous season.
It promises to be an intriguing encounter, and we can expect both teams to give it their all. As always, in football, anything can happen, and we’ll have to wait and see how the game unfolds.
