German outfit Mainz 05 will take on Zrijski, who sit atop the Conference League standings at MEWA Arena, after one round of matches in the 2025-26 competition.
The visiting side pummelled Lincoln Red Imps in their first league phase outing of the competition, while the hosts recorded a 1-0 win over Omonia away from home.
Besides our expert opinion on the Mainz 05 vs Zrinjski Mostar fixture, we have more Conference League predictions and betting tips.
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Mainz 05 vs Zrinjski predictions: The Germans are overwhelming favourites
Key stats
- Mainz have lost three of their last four competitive matches.
- The last two matches involving Mainz returned no fewer than three goals.
- The away side are unbeaten in their last 10 matches (W7, D3).
- Two of Zrinjski's last four matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Correct score prediction: Mainz 3- 1 Zrinjski
Mainz have been enduring a terrible start to the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign, with a win, one draw and five losses across seven matches in the German top flight.
That run of results leaves them in the relegation playoff zone with only four points to show for their effort in the current season. However, they fought hard to claim a 1-0 win over Omonia in their first fixture in Europe this season.
And despite their poor league form and an unconvincing gameweek one triumph in Cyprus, Bo Henriksen's side will be confident of making two victories from the same number of matches, and we reckon they will earn a 3-1 triumph.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts should win this fixture
- HOME: 2/9 (1.22) – 81.8%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- AWAY: 12/1 (13.00) – 7.7%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Both teams will enter this clash after recording much-needed victories in their respective games on matchday one. However, the bookmakers are clearly siding with the Germans to claim all the spoils on Thursday.
With odds of 2/9 (1.22), which is tantamount to 81.8% probability for the Bundesliga outfit to win, smart money will be on Henriksen's team to claim their second consecutive victory in the competition. Additionally, despite losing to Bayer Leverkusen in their last Bundesliga they scored three times, and that should inspire some confidence for the home side.
Meanwhile, the visitors have the underdog tag as suggested by the odds of 12/1 (13.00), which gives them a miserly 7.7% chance to claim all three points when they clash at MEWA Arena.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between both sides
The two sides will clash for the first time at this level or any other competitive European fixture, and the outcome of this contest remains to be seen.
Mainz 05 preview: The home side will aim to build on their first win
Although it is still early days, Mainz 05 will be grateful for the winning start to their Conference League campaign, and they will be looking to build on that.
While their struggle in the Bundesliga is well-documented, they have enough quality within their squad to claim another victory, as they continue their quest in Europe's third-tier competition.
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However, Anthony Caci (thigh), Maxim Dal (knee), and Nelson Weiper (illness) are not going to play a part in Thursday's encounter.
Predicted lineup: Riess (GK), Kohr, Bell, Da Costa, Veratschnig, Mwene, Amiri, Sano, Lee, Nebel & Hollerbach
Last five matches
- Mainz 3- 4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Hamburg 4-0 Mainz
- Omonia 0-1 Mainz
- Mainz 0-2 Dortmund
- Augsburg 1- 4 Mainz
Zrinjski preview: They will go out in search of a famous win
Zrinjski Mostar does not have a lot to worry about in terms of injuries and suspensions, as only Tyler Burey, who is nursing a hamstring injury, is on the sidelines. That means that Igor Stimac has almost a full squad to select from on Thursday.
Predicted lineup: Karacic (GK), Dujmovic, Jakovljevic, Mamic, Vranjkovic, Djurasek, Pranjic, Sakota, Ivancic, Savic & Bilbija
Last five matches
- Sloga Doboj 0-1 Zrinjski
- FK Sarajevo 1-1 Zrinjski
- Zrinjski 5-0 Lincoln Red Imps
- Velez Mostar 1-3 Zrinjski
- Zrinjski 0-0 Prijedor
Player to watch: Nadiem Amiri
Nadiem Amiri is one of the high-profile players in the Mainz squad, and he is living up to that reputation with three goal involvements in seven matches so far. The German international has scored two and created another one this term.
Can Amiri prove to be the talisman for Mainz once again? – Photo (Imago) Credit: STEINSIEK.CH