As Wolfsburg prepares to host Mainz 05 at the Volkswagen Arena this Saturday, both teams find themselves in contrasting positions on the Bundesliga table.
Wolfsburg, having recently faced a setback against Bayern Munich, will be looking to end their season on a positive note, while Mainz aims to secure their place in the top flight with at least a point from this match.
Match Preview
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows. Their 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich ended a three-match winning streak, which had previously helped them climb out of the relegation zone.
Currently positioned 12th, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side has shown resilience since his appointment in March.
The Wolves have achieved significant improvements, moving from 14th to a safer spot, well clear of the relegation playoff position.
Mainz
On the other hand, Mainz has been in impressive form under Bo Henriksen. Last week's 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund highlighted their capability to challenge top teams.
This victory was part of an eight-match unbeaten streak that pulled Mainz out of the relegation zone and into 15th place.
Henriksen’s squad needs just a draw to ensure their Bundesliga survival, provided Union Berlin doesn’t pull off a massive win against Freiburg.
Team News
Wolfsburg will be without several key players, including Yannick Gerhardt (hamstring), Lukas Nmecha (muscular), Dzenan Pejcinovic (metatarsal), and Mattias Svanberg (shoulder).
Aster Vranckx's knee injury also makes his participation uncertain. Despite these absences, Jonas Wind, who has scored in recent home games, will be a crucial player for Wolfsburg.
Mainz's injury concerns are less severe, but they will miss Maxim Leitsch (muscle).
Karim Onisiwo is a doubt with a finger injury. Jonathan Burkardt and Jae-Sung Lee, key contributors in recent matches, will lead the attack against Wolfsburg.
Prediction
Given Wolfsburg's mid-table security and Mainz's need for at least a point to guarantee safety, a draw seems a likely outcome.
Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, but Mainz's current form could see them extend their unbeaten run.
Our prediction is a 1-1 draw, with Mainz securing their Bundesliga status for another season.
Possible Lineups
Wolfsburg: Casteels; Lacroix, Bornauw, Jenz; Maehle, Majer, Arnold, Paredes; Baku, Wind, Wimmer
Mainz: Zentner; Kohr, Van den Berg, Hanche-Olsen; Caci, Barreiro, Amiri, Mwene; Gruda, Lee; Burkardt
FAQ
When and where is the Wolfsburg vs Mainz match taking place? The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg.
What is the current form of both teams? Wolfsburg: Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich ending a three-match winning streak. They are currently 12th in the Bundesliga table. Mainz: Mainz is in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last eight matches. They are 15th on the table, just above the relegation zone.
What are the stakes for both teams in this match? Wolfsburg: With a mid-table finish secured, Wolfsburg has little to play for other than pride and ending the season on a high note. Mainz: Mainz needs at least a draw to ensure their Bundesliga survival, depending on the outcome of Union Berlin's match against Freiburg.
Who are the key players missing for Wolfsburg? Wolfsburg will be without Yannick Gerhardt (hamstring), Lukas Nmecha (muscular), Dzenan Pejcinovic (metatarsal), and Mattias Svanberg (shoulder). Aster Vranckx's participation is doubtful due to a knee injury.
What is Mainz's injury situation? Mainz will miss Maxim Leitsch (muscle), and Karim Onisiwo is doubtful with a finger injury. However, their main attacking threats, Jonathan Burkardt and Jae-Sung Lee, are expected to play.
Wolfsburg 
Mainz 
