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Holstein Kiel and Mainz square off in the Bundesliga on Sunday. This will be the first meeting between the sides since October 2017, when Bo Henriksen’s visitors picked up a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory in the DFB-Pokal.
Holstein were sent crashing back to earth in their last outing before the international break, falling a 2-1 defeat to Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion.
That followed a 1-0 victory over Heidenheim, when Patrick Erras netted the only goal of the game in the first half to hand them their first Bundesliga win of the campaign.
Holstein have picked up just five points from 10 league matches to sit 17th in the standings, three points above rock-bottom Bochum.
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Meanwhile, Mainz turned in a superb display last time out in a 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Mewa Arena. Before that, Henriksen’s men were on a four-game winless run, losing twice, including a 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal second round in October.
With 13 points from 10 matches, Mainz are 12th in the Bundesliga, just five points above the relegation zone.
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the third meeting between Holstein and Mainz, with both sides claiming a win each.
- Holstein have lost all but one of their last five matches across competitions, with the 1-0 victory over Heidenheim on November 2 being the exception.
- Mainz are unbeaten in nine competitive away matches, winning four, since a 8-1 thrashing to Bayern.
- Holstein have won one of their last seven competitive home matches, losing five, since April.
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz Prediction
Mainz picked up a morale-boosting victory against Dortmund just before the international break and will return to league action with renewed confidence as they look to pull clear of the danger zone.
Holstein, meanwhile, have struggled to impose themselves in the top flight, so Henriksen’s men should come away with all three points.
Prediction: Holstein 1-3 Mainz
Holstein Kiel vs Mainz Betting Tips
Tip 1: Mainz to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in eight of Holstein's last 10 games.)
Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards - Yes (There have been at least five bookings in four of Holstein’s last five outings.)
