Similar stories in Saturday's encounter

Despite both teams dip in their respective form, 1899 Hoffenheim (33 points) as well as Mainz 05 (37 points) do still have a chance to possibly slip into the European places come the end of the season. Marvin Compper certainly believes so: "It would unbelievable if we were to say we weren't dreaming of possibly getting into a Europa League spot." To achieve that concentration is needed over the full 90 minutes of every match and "performances underline what a team want to achieve", explained Compper. The performance against 1. FC Köln was encouraging for 1899 as they worked hard, sacrificed themselves and showed an abundance of passion. Just one thing was missing, which they will want to change, though: the number of goals scored.

1899 to add a clinical edge

The Kraichgau outfit certainly had enough chances against Köln, but they "were missing that little bit of luck" in the final stages according to Pezzaiuoli. Pessimism is not the word ringing around Sinsheim as Compper added: "We're creating the chances, which is good. We've got to keep doing that and start adding the finishing touches." Goals are what win you matches, something that will come as a shock to neither side. Just like 1899, Mainz have also often lacked the composure in front of goal to kill off a match, despite some wonderful build-up play. So it's no surprise that both managers are focusing more on using the chances than creating them. "As a head coach you always want to be successful, so it doesn't matter who creates the goal, but more importantly that the goal is scored", explained Pezzaiuoli and Mainz head coach Thomas Tuchel echoed the sentiments stating: "The fact that we're creating the chances shows our quality. Of course it's obviously frustrating that the chances aren't converted into goals on a more regular basis, but it's still abetter situation than when you can't find the way to goal at all."

Question marks surrounding Vorsah?

The similarities can also be drawn between the style of play as both teams like to attack with pace in a very ball-orientated philosophy. Caution is advised, though, when it comes to Mainz's counter attacking ability something 1899 know all to well from their match earlier this season when two of Mainz's four goals were scored on the break. So the big question ultimately boils down to who can take their chance first in the match?

Pezzaiuoli will have the same squad to choose from as last week. Despite Edson Braafheid returning from suspension he will still miss out after a ligament injury ruled the new Dutch signing out of contention. Manuel Gulde, Tobias Weis and Chinedu Obasi are all still out with long-term injuries, while there are a few questions marks surrounding Isaac Vorsah. The Ghanaian centre back got his studs caught in the ground during training and underwent an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage to his ankle. The decision as to whether he plays is likely to be a last minute one for Pezzaiuoli.

Stats and Facts

Head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli remains unbeaten at home since he took over from Ralf Rangnick over the winter break, which is a promising sign ahead of welcoming Mainz to the Rhein-Neckar Arena. However, the fifth placed team have won every single one of the Bundesliga encounters between the two sides. One of these trends will have to come to an end on Saturday, but who can take the chance?