Mainz 05 – Strasbourg

The opponents won't be able to realize their attacking potential.

Mainz has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, primarily thanks to Urs Fischer. The experienced Swiss coach took charge of the team when it sat bottom of the Bundesliga, with the Conference League being the players' and fans' only outlet. For almost four months—from mid-September to mid-January—Mainz won only in European competition, on the domestic stage alternating between draws and defeats. As of today, the club's results have changed dramatically. Mainz will take the field against Strasbourg as the ninth-placed Bundesliga side, with little risk of again ending up in the relegation zone. Strasbourg also changed its coach during the current season, doing so in January, when Liam Rosenior was promoted to Chelsea. Under Gary O'Neil, the French side looks no worse, as the 42-year-old Englishman has continued the playing style of his compatriot predecessor. Strasbourg also comes to the match in Germany in good form and with an unbeaten streak. Interestingly, in August last year the clubs met for the first time in history in a friendly match that produced no goals for bettors and pre-season fans. Bookmakers have made the home side the favorites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 2.01 on their victory. Mainz finished seventh overall, thus avoiding the playoff round. In the Round of 16 the Germans fairly easily beat Sigma Olomouc. After the second leg with the Czech side, Mainz beat Eintracht and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, which is currently considered a fairly solid indication of strength in the Bundesliga. Fischer's team's current unbeaten run stands at eight matches, with four wins. The German club rarely scores more than two goals, but solid defensive play allows it to steadily accumulate points. It could be the defense that proves the decisive factor against Strasbourg. Despite a ten-match unbeaten run, the French side concedes in almost every match, and in the last two Ligue 1 matchdays conceded three goals in total to Nantes and Nice. The visitors will take note of this weakness and play solidly.