Mainz
- Mainz are mid-table in the Bundesliga after 28 games with 33 points, but Urs Fischer’s side have dug deep and are in the mix for the European places after going undefeated over their last five games in the league.
- Back-to-back Bundesliga victories over Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt have given them momentum going into this first European quarter-final in the club’s history.
- The 05’ers are the slight favorites at 2.12 here, but Strasbourg are not far behind at 3.25 and, although it might be close, the visitors will be happy with those odds given they have gone undefeated through the Conference League league phase and won all five of their away games in the competition this season.
Strasbourg
- His tactics have also helped to maximise a deep squad in the wake of Joaquin Panichelli’s serious knee injury, which will rule the Strasbourg top scorer out of the quarter-final tie.
- Julio Enciso stepped up to take a penalty and score in Strasbourg’s 3-1 win over Nice in Ligue 1 at the weekend, while he and Martial Godo provide enough of a threat up front to keep Mainz’s defence busy.
- Strasbourg are eighth in Ligue 1 with 28 games played, which is a respectable position given they are also well into the Conference League and have a positive goal difference.
Head-to-Head
The two clubs have met only in pre-season friendlies, but this will be their first ever competitive encounter.
Key Players
- Paul Nebel has been Mainz’s breakout star, delivering decisive goals including a brace against Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Julio Enciso stepped up to take a penalty and score in Strasbourg’s 3-1 win over Nice in Ligue 1 at the weekend, while he and Martial Godo provide enough of a threat up front to keep Mainz’s defence busy.
- The addition of Samir El Mourabet’s balance and energy has made the club’s 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system a potent weapon this year with the ability to press the opposition hard in the final third and then break away at pace with their young, quick players.
- Strasbourg’s top scorer Joaquin Panichelli is ruled out with a serious knee injury.
Betting Insights
- The draw is the top pick for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final first leg between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Racing Club Strasbourg with both teams available at a touch above even odds.
- The 05’ers are the slight favorites at 2.12 here, but Strasbourg are not far behind at 3.25 and, although it might be close, the visitors will be happy with those odds given they have gone undefeated through the Conference League league phase and won all five of their away games in the competition this season.
- The draw is also well supported at 3.45, so we will take that with a slight lean towards the hosts because of their home form and momentum.
- Backing both teams to score at 1.7 is the play, but given the recent defensive form of both clubs, we think Under 2.5 goals at 1.85 has a chance of a good payout if Mainz don’t get the win.
Prediction
- This game will be a chess match between two well-disciplined teams with different ways of playing.
- The home fans could see their team edge the game if Fischer’s team can break down Strasbourg’s press, but we think the French side will be tough to break down for the Germans too.
- We will take the draw with a slight lean towards the hosts because of their home form and momentum and see value in Under 2.5 goals (1.85) given both sides’ recent defensive form.
