When it comes to conversations about sports leagues re-opening while we are still in the middle of a global pandemic, there seem to be two very definite camps. There are those who believe that leagues should stay in lockdown until this passes, while the other group thinks that it is time to start returning to some level of normalcy. While there is still a long way to go before sports returns to the way it as before COVID-19 arrived on the scene, there are signs that leagues are prepared to take a shot at getting back into the swing of things. The Bundesliga in Germany was the first to make a move, re-opening their season last weekend for games that were played in empty stadiums. That is a trend that is likely continue for the final 8 weeks of their season, with the second full week of action set to begin on Friday afternoon. We are going to jump ahead to Sunday to take a look at a crucial game between Mainz vs RB Leipzig, a team who will still believe that they have a shot at the title. Given how the previous meeting went, expect Leipzig to be rather heavy favorites in this one. Let’s take a closer look to the teams and their Bundesliga odds.
Mainz 05 Vs Leipzig Game Info
Why bet on Mainz 05
Mainz 05 come into this weekend finding themselves in a real spot of bother, as they are just one spot above the drop zone, 4 points ahead of Fortuna Dusseldorf. Their return to action was not a bad one, all things considered, as they managed to pick up a valuable point on the road in a 2-2 draw with FC Koln. This is a team that has been leaking goals all season long, giving up 55 in their 26 games played thus far. It was an 8-0 loss to RB Leipzig earlier in the season that was quite probably the low point for Mainz. They have been a little tougher to beat in their own building, although not by much, going 4-2-7 in 13 home games, scoring 15 times while surrendering 21 goals.
Why bet on RB Leipzig
While RB Leipzig will certainly feel that they still have a shot at the Bundesliga crown, the reality is that they are 7 points out of first with just 8 games remaining. They have 3 teams ahead of them, so closing that gap and having all 3 fall by the wayside seems like a longshot at best. Their main goal right now is to ensure that they stay in the top 4, as that would guarantee them a spot in the Champions League next season, which always means a very nice cash windfall. The 8-0 win over Mainz earlier this season was a bit of a surprise, but they will settle for the 3 points in this one without the big blowout. Leipzig has been strong on the road, going 7-4-2, while scoring 30 and surrendering just 13.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
While I don’t see Leipzig winning as big as last time, I do see a lot of goals here, which makes the OVER a good bet. The last 3 meetings between these teams have produced 19 goals, so expect to see more of the same on Sunday,
Pick: Mainz 05 1 RB Leipzig 4
General Info Mainz vs RB Leipzig
- When: Sunday, May 24 at 9:30 AM EST
- Where: Opel Arena, Mainz
- TV: ESPN
- Money Lines: RB Leipzig -238 / FSV Mainz 05 +519 / Draw +388
