Bundesliga: Mainz Seeking Reprieve at Home Against RB Leipzig

Mainz vs RB Leipzig

It is third versus 17^th as RB Leipzig visit Mainz in a Bundesliga match that might prove to be crucial for both clubs than most would expect on paper.

For the visitors, they will aim to close the gap between them and Bayern Munich while overtaking the second-seeded Bayer Leverkusen in the process. As of the moment, Die Roten Bullen are level with Bayer Leverkusen with 32 points apiece.

Meanwhile for the home side, they are looking to salvage their disastrous campaign with a rare win. Bo Svensson’s side is winless in all competitions since late November and they are level with Schalke at the bottom with seven points.

In recent years, a game against Mainz is usually what the doctor ordered for RB Leipzig since some of their best wins came against them.

Can they repeat the trend come this weekend? Or will the 05ers come out of nowhere and shock their visitors?

As always here at SBOTOP, we examine both of these squads ahead of this awaited fixture.

Talking Points

RB Leipzig need to shake off their inconsistent form

Julian Nagelsmann’s side need to fix their act quickly if they are to keep their Bundesliga title hopes alive.

With their crop of good foundational pieces, there’s no doubt that RB Leipzig should get back to winning ways after this match versus Mainz.

Their 2021 got off to an auspicious start when they defeated VfB Stuttgart in a grinded-out affair. However, a loss to Borussia Dortmund in the following matchday blurred their path to the top of the standings.

Their inconsistencies continued up until last Saturday where they were held to a 2-2 draw against VfL Wolfsburg.

At the time, they were in danger of losing two in a row as they found themselves down 2-1, but Willi Orban bailed them out in the second half.

RB Leipzig are currently at third place in the Bundesliga table, four points behind leaders Bayern Munich — RB Leipzig’s Angelino in action against FC Augsburg’s Jeffrey Gouweleeuw

Looking at their top scorers list, Angelino leads the pack with seven goals and five assists which is quite impressive considering he’s a defender, while Yussuf Poulsen is right behind him with five goals and three assists.

Although Die Roten Bullen’s attack duties are being shared and done by committee, there’s no doubt that these two standouts are expected to lead the charge every game.

Both of them have yet to score since the end of last year, but they have a prime opportunity here against Mainz.

Mainz’s top-flight status is hanging by a thread

The clock is ticking for Mainz and they have no choice but to put their best foot forward in the next few matchdays.

Their Bundesliga 2021 results has been putrid since their victory over SC Freiburg back in November as their efforts on the pitch have been lacklustre.

French striker and Leeds United target Jean-Philippe Mateta is doing all he can for the 05ers, but it will take more than that for his team to improve their current position.

After a promising campaign last season, Robin Quaison has yet to hit the ground running since he has only punched in two goals and one assist so far.

On the other side of the pitch, Mainz need to beef up their backline since they are the second-worst team in goals conceded at 36 this term.

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History

Recent form and history favour RB Leipzig in this weekend’s contest.

In the nine matches that they’ve faced each other, Julian Nagelsmann’s side own the significant advantage with six wins, while Mainz have only won once with two draws.

RB Leipzig have been ruthless against Mainz especially in their last three matchups as they’ve notched an aggregate tally of 16-1.

Betting Tip

	Mainz vs RB Leipzig	RB Leipzig Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.03
	January 23, 22:30 (GMT+8)

RB Leipzig are widely expected to grab their second win of the year and the latest Bundesliga 2021 odds back it up.

Die Roten Bullen are pegged to win at 1.45, whereas Mainz are priced at 5.60 and chances for a draw are at 4.30 in the 1X2 market.

Given that RB Leipzig have won over Mainz in dominant fashion for their last few encounters, it feels that Saturday will be a case of deja vu. Besides a victory for the visitors, you may also opt to place your wager on Over 2.50 @ 1.69.

Coming into this contest, Mainz are in dire straits as they try to turn their season around. However, stumbling on a contender in RB Leipzig surely won’t help their cause.

As for RB Leipzig, they should have no problems in dispatching their languishing opponents on the road. But they shouldn’t fall into the trap of being complacent as well.