Mainz 05 vs 1. FC Köln Preview: Doomsday has struck for Köln, Mainz need to keep up with Bochum

Match Overview

Mainz 05

Mainz have been in fine form in recent weeks, however they were held to a 1-1 draw despite an inspired performance away at Freiburg last weekend in the Bundesliga.

Jonathan Burkhardt has been at the forefront of the Mainz turnaround as he has scored four goals in their last five games in the league. 

Not just this, but he contributed greatly in the wins against Bochum and Hoffenheim with a brace and an equalising goal respectively in these ties.

Since taking over from Jan Siewert, Mainz's manager Bo Henriksen has overseen four wins in nine outings in the Bundesliga. Included in this has been huge victories against Augsburg, Bochum and two four goal victories in the last month against Darmstadt and Hoffenheim.

However, they have also had some lows under the Dane as they were hammered 8-1 by Bayern Munich in early March. Since then, however, they have remained unbeaten.

Lastly, ahead of the crucial relegation clash with 1. FC Köln, Mainz's head coach Bo Henriksen said: "This is another final for us. None of the games will be easy. We're approaching every one of the remaining matches the same way - we're going out there to win."

‍1. FC Köln

FC Köln were left deflated after a demoralising and defeating 2-0 loss to bottom side Darmstadt last weekend. At the Müngersdorfer stadium, Effzeh head coach Schultz's side were idealess throughout the ninety minutes.

Adding to this catastrophic performance, Köln are still struggling for goals massively and can no longer look to their star striker Davie Selke for help as he is out for the rest of the campaign.

The so-called "yo-yo" side are now on 22 points, with four games left and could be confirmed relegated by the next matchweek with a loss this weekend.

One tiny positive for the Billy Goats may perhaps be the return of Mark Uth. The thirty-two-year-old has consistently struggled with injuries throughout his time at the carnival side but finally returned from injury late into the second half.

Ahead of Sunday's relegation six-pointer, 1. FC Köln coach Timo Schultz said: "Mainz are no longer in the role of the hunters, but are now the hunted. And we want to hunt them at the weekend. We know we need the points, but we also know that we can win on Sunday."

Team News

Mainz 05

Mainz are currently struggling greatly with injuries and are without Jessic Ngankam due to a hamstring issue and Stefan Bell due to illness.

Maxim Leitsch has a muscular injury so will miss the important match and Tom Krauß and Jae-Sung Lee will also miss the tie with suspension.

Lastly, Andreas Hanche-Olsen is a doubt with an ankle issue and so is Leandro Barreiro.

1. FC Köln

Timo Schultz's side are still without youngster Justin Diehl (who will most likely never play for Köln again before his summer move). Luca Kilian and Davie Selke have also both been ruled out of the rest of the season with injuries.

Leart Paqarada may miss the game due to illness and Dejan Ljubicic will not play on Sunday due to illness aswell.

Predicted Lineups

The predicted lineups for the game between Mainz 05 and 1. FC Köln are available here.