Schalke 04 are preparing to host Mainz 05 in a Bundesliga encounter that pits a team desperate for a home victory against one with an impeccable away record this season.
Currently, Schalke 04 sit 13th in the Bundesliga standings, while their opponents, Mainz 05, are positioned eighth. The match presents a significant challenge for Schalke as they continue their search for their inaugural home win of the current campaign.
Schalke’s Home Quest and Injury Woes
Schalke 04 have yet to secure a victory on their home turf this season, a statistic they will be keen to change against Mainz. Despite their struggle for home wins, the team has shown defensive resilience, being one of only three teams in the league yet to concede a goal in front of their supporters.
However, Schalke will contend with several key absences. Moussa Sylla is sidelined due to injury. The club is also without Justin Heekeren, Dejan Ljubičić, Johannes Siebeking, and Emil Højlund, further testing their squad depth for this crucial fixture.
Mainz’s Perfect Away Form
In stark contrast to their hosts, Mainz 05 arrive with a flawless away record in the Bundesliga this season. They are one of only two teams to maintain a perfect record on the road, showcasing their strength when playing away from home. This impressive form has contributed to their eighth-place standing in the league.
Mainz have also demonstrated significant attacking prowess in their away fixtures, having scored more goals on the road than any other team in the Bundesliga. Their challenge will be to maintain this formidable record against a Schalke side determined to break their home win drought.
For Mainz, goalkeeper Robin Zentner remains unavailable due to a hand injury, which will require the team to rely on their alternative options between the posts.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Schalke 04 have enjoyed a strong recent record against Mainz 05, having won their last two matches and remaining unbeaten in their last five head-to-head meetings. Mainz will be looking to secure their first victory against Schalke since February 2019 and their first win at the Veltins-Arena since a DFB-Pokal match in December 2019.