On Sunday evening, Freiburg will look to enhance their chances of European football next season when they host in-form Mainz at the Europa Park Stadium.
Freiburg has been inconsistent lately in the BundesligaChristian Streich’s team’s bid for a place in Europe next season has been hampered by inconsistent form. A 1-0 win at Darmstadt means that they have won three and lost two of their previous five games in the Bundesliga.
However, with five league games remaining, the Black Forest outfit is in eighth place in the table, three points adrift of the league's Europa League spots.
When it comes to goals, Freiburg’s games have certainly not failed to deliver of late, as 11 of their last 12 Bundesliga outings have produced over 2.5 goals.
Freiburg’s recent home form in the German top flight has not helped their European bid. They have failed to win in five Bundesliga games at the Europa Park Stadium.
Mainz heading to the Black Forest in stellar formWhile the O5ers may occupy the relegation play-off spot in the Bundesliga, Bo Henriksen’s team heads to Freiburg on the back of a four-game unbeaten run.
A 4-1 home win over Hoffenheim last time out means that Mainz has won three and drawn one of the previous four games in the German top flight. They have also conceded just one goal in the four unbeaten matches.
Their excellent recent run of form means that a victory in this game would likely move them out of the league’s bottom three.
Mainz’s recent league form has been positive, but they still have work to do away from home in the Bundesliga. The visitors are now winless in 18 games away from home in the German top-flight.
A highly creditable 0-0 draw at RB Leipzig in their last away match at least ended a four-game losing run.
What am I backing?Freiburg’s home form has been poor, and although Mainz’s recent form has improved, they are still poor on their travels. The bet I am going to back is over 2.5 goals scored, as both teams tend to feature in high-scoring encounters.