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Mainz 05 are about to make history as they prepare to welcome Strasbourg for the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final this Thursday night at the Mewa Arena.
The Bundesliga side enter their first ever continental quarter-final on the back of four straight victories, with Urs Fischer and his men targeting a run of five successive wins for the first time since 2010.
When it comes to Strasbourg, there is English interest as former Bournemouth and Wolverhampton boss Gary O’Neil leads his men into their first major European last eight tie since 1980.
Check out our prediction, preview and betting tips, including the latest odds. If you want more, make sure to visit our ‘Today’s Betting Tips’ page for more expert predictions.
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Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg key stats
- Mainz head into Thursday’s match unbeaten in eight competitive games.
- Mainz have also won their last six European matches at home.
- Strasbourg are unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions.
- Strasbourg are looking to win three successive away games for the first time in a year.
Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg: Goals expected in Germany
| Mainz 05 | vs | Strasbourg |
|---|---|---|
| 9th (Bundesliga) | Position | 8th (Ligue 1) |
| 33 | Points | 43 |
| 35 | Goals For | 46 |
| 43 | Goals Against | 34 |
| 3 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 12th | Home Rank | 6th |
| 7th | Away Rank | 9th |
A little over four months ago, Mainz were rock-bottom of the Bundesliga and had just parted ways with manager Bo Henriksen, who only managed to accumulate six points in the first half of the season.
Urs Fischer was brought in to rescue the club from the serious threat of relegation, and it is fair to say that the German manager has exceeded expectations.
After kicking off his reign with draws against Bayern Munich and St Pauli, Fischer went on to accumulate 25 points in the 2026 calendar year, taking his side up to ninth in the standings.
Mainz have scored exactly two goals in their last four matches across all competitions.
As well as masterminding a sensational domestic turnaround, Mainz have also excelled on the continent and are now preparing for their first ever European quarter-final.
Die Nullfunfer have won five of their eight matches in the Conference League, while enduring just one defeat throughout the entire continental campaign.
Mainz sealed their spot in this stage of the competition with a 2-0 victory over Sigma Olomouc, though they will now face tougher opposition in the form of Strasbourg.
Speaking of the French side, Le Racing will make the trip to Germany with a 10-match unbeaten run under their belts.
O’Neil’s men have won five of those matches, including their last two outings against Nice and Nantes.
Strasbourg have lost just one of their last nine away matches across all competitions.
Finding the back of the net does not appear to be a problem for the French outfit, who have now rattled the net six times in 180 minutes of competitive action.
Strasbourg, who finished top of the league phase, struggled against Croatian outfit Rijeka in the round-of-16, eventually winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
In order to mark their first major European quarter-final on a winning note, O’Neil’s men will need to replicate some of their recent domestic performances on the continental stage.
Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg form guide & betting tips
| Mainz 05 | vs | Strasbourg |
|---|---|---|
| D-W-W-W-W | Form | W-D-D-W-W |
| 13 | Points | 11 |
| 8 | Goals For | 9 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 5 |
| D-W-W-W-W | Form (All Competitions) | W-D-D-W-W |
Whispers predicts: Mainz 05 2-1 Strasbourg
It has been well over four months since Mainz last tasted defeat at the Mewa Arena, with the team enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run.
With the German outfit performing well at home over recent times, they are certainly worth backing in the outright market – especially with most bookmakers offering even money.
In terms of other markets, both teams to score looks very tempting. A total of 13 of Strasbourg’s last 15 matches have seen this bet land.
When it comes to specific goalscorers, we like the look of Strasbourg forward Martial Godo. The Ivory Coast man has scored half of his 14 goals this season away from home.
> Mainz 05 to win at 1/1 | Likelihood: Probable
> Martial Godo anytime goalscorer at 11/4 | Likelihood: Outsider
> Both teams to score - yes at 7/10 | Likelihood: Probable