This upcoming Bundesliga clash sees VfL Bochum face Mainz 05 at Vonovia Ruhrstadion. With Bochum at the bottom of the table and Mainz pushing for European spots, this match holds importance for both teams’ aspirations.

Bochum, coached by Dieter Hecking, is struggling with a mere 22 points and just one clean sheet in their last five games. The spotlight will be on Myron Boadu, their top scorer. However, injuries to key players like Philipp Hofmann have hindered their efforts.

Mainz 05, led by Bo Henriksen, sit comfortably in 7th with 48 points. Despite a recent dip in form, they have a strong head-to-head record against Bochum. Jonathan Burkardt, their standout forward with 16 goals, remains pivotal.

Considering past results and current form, our recommended bet is for Mainz 05 to win. Their head-to-head dominance and Bochum’s weak form make them the favourites.

Expect an intense matchup with significant implications for both teams’ seasons.

Bochum vs Mainz 05 Prediction & Betting Tip

With Bochum struggling greatly this season and Mainz 05 showing strong head-to-head performance, our betting tip is to back Mainz 05 to win. Bochum’s position at the bottom of the table and their recent form suggest a tough challenge ahead. Conversely, Mainz 05 have been more consistent and have a better record when facing Bochum.

• Mainz 05 have a strong head-to-head record against Bochum, winning their last two meetings 2-0.
• Bochum’s defensive struggles, coupled with just one clean sheet in their last five games, make this a challenging fixture for them.
• Mainz 05 have a better overall form and points tally, giving them a psychological and tactical edge.

Bochum vs Mainz 05 Odds

With the odds tipped in favor of Mainz 05, it’s clear the bookmakers are backing them to come out on top in this Bundesliga clash. As Bochum sits at the bottom of the table, their chances of a win seem slim, reflected in their higher odds.

• Mainz 05 are the bookmakers’ favorites with odds of 2.26 for a win.
• A draw is priced at 3.61, reflective of a potentially tight contest.
• With Bochum’s struggles this season, their odds of 2.94 highlight the uphill battle they face.

Bochum Team Analysis

Bochum Recent Performance

Bochum’s recent form has been anything but encouraging, with the team drawing two and losing three of their last five matches. Given their precarious position at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, their recent performances leave much to be desired.

Bochum has managed just one clean sheet and has scored an average of 0.40 goals per game in their last five outings, highlighting their struggle both defensively and offensively. With such form, their task against Mainz 05 will not be easy.

Bochum Key Players

Key to Bochum’s slim survival hopes will be their top scorer Myron Boadu, who has netted 7 goals this season. His ability to find the net will be crucial, especially given Bochum’s struggles in front of goal, averaging only 0.40 goals per game in their last five fixtures.
Another player to watch is Matus Bero, who will likely serve as the attacking midfielder, providing creativity and linking the play between midfield and attack.

Expected lineup for Bochum:

• Goalkeeper: Timo Horn
• Defenders: Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, Bernardo
• Midfielders: Felix Passlack, Ibrahima Sissoko, Tom Krauß, Gerrit Holtmann, Matus Bero
• Forwards: Moritz Broschinski, Georgios Masouras

Individual battles to watch include Boadu against Mainz’s central defenders and Bero’s efforts to unlock Mainz’s midfield.

Bochum Suspensions & Injuries

Bochum will have to contend with a couple of key absences due to injuries. Here’s the current injury list:

These injuries will impact Bochum’s squad depth, particularly with Philipp Hofmann, who will be sorely missed in the attacking line. His return in early June 2025 means he won’t play a part in this crucial match against Mainz. Dieter Hecking will need to make tactical adjustments to compensate for these missing players as they fight to avoid relegation.

Bochum Tactics and Formation

Bochum Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Goalkeeper: Timo Horn
• Defensive Line: Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, Bernardo
• Midfielders: Felix Passlack, Ibrahima Sissoko, Tom Krauß, Gerrit Holtmann
• Attacking Midfielder: Matus Bero
• Forwards: Moritz Broschinski, Georgios Masouras

Defensive Strength:

• Bochum’s defence has struggled, conceding frequently, especially in the 76-90 and 16-30 minute intervals.

Notable Strategy:

• With a 3-4-1-2 formation, Hecking will likely focus on solidifying the midfield to prevent Mainz from dominating possession.
• Utilizing Matus Bero as the link between midfield and attack to capitalize on counter-attacks.

Bochum will look to be compact defensively and aim for quick transitions in attack, using their wide players to stretch Mainz’s defence.

Mainz 05 Team Analysis

Mainz 05 Recent Performance

Recent Form: DLDLD

Mainz 05 have struggled to find consistent form in their last five matches, with a record of three draws and two losses. In these games, they have averaged 0.80 goals scored per match and have not kept a clean sheet.

Despite these challenges, Mainz 05 remain competitive and will look to capitalize on Bochum’s poor form and maintain their position in the upper half of the league table.

Mainz 05 Key Players

Mainz 05’s primary attacking threat comes from their centre-forward, Jonathan Burkardt, who has already bagged 16 goals this season, making him their top scorer. His ability to find the back of the net will be pivotal in this fixture.

Expected lineup for Mainz 05:

• Goalkeeper: Lasse Rieß
• Right centre back: Maxim Leitsch
• Central back: Stefan Bell
• Left centre back: Nikolas Veratschnig
• Right midfielder: Anthony Caci
• Right central midfielder: Kaishu Sano
• Left central midfielder: Nadiem Amiri
• Left midfielder: Phillipp Mwene
• Right attacking midfielder: Paul Nebel
• Left attacking midfielder: Jae-Sung Lee
• Centre forward: Jonathan Burkardt

Key individual battles such as Burkardt against Bochum’s Ivan Ordets will be essential to watch, as Burkardt’s finishing could prove decisive. Additionally, Mainz’s midfield engine, Nadiem Amiri, will look to dominate the centre of the park.

Mainz 05 Suspensions & Injuries

Mainz 05 is dealing with several key injuries that might impact their performance against Bochum.

The absences of key defenders like Danny da Costa and Andreas Hanche-Olsen could leave Mainz vulnerable at the back. Additionally, gaps in their midfield and some bench depth could affect their rotational strategies. This might lead to some tactical adjustments by coach Bo Henriksen to compensate for these setbacks.

Mainz 05 Tactics and Formation

Mainz 05 Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Jonathan Burkardt
• Attacking Midfield Duo: Paul Nebel, Jae-Sung Lee
• Central Midfield Pair: Kaishu Sano, Nadiem Amiri
• Wing Options: Anthony Caci (right), Phillipp Mwene (left)
• Defensive Backbone: Stefan Bell (central back), Maxim Leitsch (right center back), Nikolas Veratschnig (left center back)

Mainz 05 prefer a 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing them to maintain a solid defensive structure while being versatile in attack. Jonathan Burkardt is expected to spearhead the attack, flanked by the creative presence of Nebel and Lee.

With injuries to key players like Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Danny da Costa, coach Bo Henriksen will need to adjust his backline and possibly switch up his midfield strategies to maintain defensive stability and transition effectively from defense to attack.

Bochum vs Mainz 05 Head-to-Head Statistics

Mainz 05 has dominated the recent encounters, winning four out of their last five meetings against Bochum. This solid head-to-head record, including a 2-0 win earlier this year, suggests they have the upper hand. Bochum will need to defy the odds to change the narrative in this matchup.

Odds accurate as of 08/05/2025 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.