Mainz vs Stuttgart
Bundesliga
Saturday
16th September 2023
Coface Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 4 of the Bundesliga fixture between Mainz and Stuttgart.
Mainz vs Stuttgart: Preview
Mainz form analysis
They began this season with a disappointing 1-4 home defeat to high-flying Union Berlin. Despite equalizing through new signing Caci, Mainz collapsed in the second half after taking the lead early through a Behrens brace.
They showed signs of improvement in their next game by claiming a 1-1 home draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. Lee gave them the lead but they conceded late after defending resiliently for most of the match.
However, Mainz’s form then took another turn for the worse as they suffered a heavy 0-4 loss away at Werder Bremen last time out. Ducksch’s early penalty set the tone before 3 second half goals condemned Mainz to a thrashing.
Overall, it’s been a difficult spell for Mainz who have struggled defensively while also lacking cutting edge in attack. Conceding late equalizers in their last two games highlights a lack of concentration and game management. New coach Bo Svensson has work ahead to turn their form around after this poor start.
Stuttgart form analysis
Stuttgart began their season in impressive fashion, thrashing Bochum 5-0 at home. Silas Wamangituka scored twice, while Sasa Kalajdzic, Dinos Zagadou and Saša Kalajdzic also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display. However, their next match saw them come unstuck RB
Leipzig, losing 5-1 despite Sasa Kalajdzic’s early opener. Goals from Henrichs Olmo Openda and a Kampl brace overturned Stuttgart’s lead.
It seemed Stuttgart’s strong start was a flash in the pan after their thumping at the hands of Leipzig.
But they did superbly, hammering Freiburg 5-0 in their next match. Once again, Sasa Kalajdzic starred with a quickfire brace inside the first 20 minutes. Chris Führich also bagged goal in each half, with Erik Thommy the rout late on. It was a reminder of Stuttgart’s attacking potency, with Kalajdz red- form.
While the heavy Leipzig defeat showed defensive issues remain, Stuttgart have proven themselves capable of blowing away opponents. If they put the occasional lap on the back, Kalajdzic company could fire them to an unexpected top half finish this season based on their free-scoring displays so far.
