Hoffenheim lost 3-1 against RB Leipzig on April 5 despite scoring first after 11 minutes, but they had little chance of victory once centre-back Leo Ostigard was sent off just before the half-hour mark when the score was 1-1.

The home side conceded more than once for the first time in seven matches, though their overall record of 52 goals conceded in the Bundesliga makes them the fourth worst defensive team in the bottom eight.

Head coach Christian Ilzer's team suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Mainz on December 1, and his side are in fact winless in their last five clashes against the visitors, losing three times.

Die Kraichgauer have failed to win any of their past four matches – drawing two – and they only found the back of the net on three occasions in that period.

The hosts have not found success at PreZero Arena for some time given they have not triumphed at home for 10 games, succumbing to defeat four times.

Opponents Mainz were arguably fortunate to have only conceded once against Holstein Kiel given they produced several chances from near the six-yard box, while also striking the post.

Boss Bo Henriksen will be concerned that the club have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, conceding six times in their past three.

Karnevalsverein occupy the final Champions League qualification spot but are only one point ahead of fourth-placed RB Leipzig, while just four points separate them from seventh-placed Freiburg.

Though Mainz have lost once and been held to stalemates in two of their three most recent outings, they did achieve victory in each of their prior four games.

The visitors lost 3-1 against Borussia Dortmund on March 30 in their last away match, but they triumphed in their previous three on the road.

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Gendrey, Chaves, Akpoguma, Nsoki; Stach, Bischof; Toure, Kramaric, Bulter; Orban

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Zentner; Hanche-Olsen, Jenz, Kohr; Caci, Sano, Maloney, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Burkardt