Mainz seeking momentumpublished at 19:12 GMT 20 February
Image source, Getty ImagesStefan Posch of 1. FSV Mainz 05 celebrates victory with teammate Stefan Bell following the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig
Mainz have shown signs of revival in recent weeks, winning three of their last four league matches. The highlight of that run was a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory away at RB Leipzig, overturning a 1-0 deficit to claim a crucial three points.
That improvement has lifted the Zero-Fives out of the bottom three for the first time since October, though they remain just two points above the relegation play-off spot. Despite their recent upturn, Mainz are still searching for their first Friday night win of the campaign. They were beaten 4-0 by Borussia Dortmund last Friday, having previously lost to Borussia Mönchengladbach and drawn with TSG Hoffenheim in earlier Friday fixtures.
Victory here could lift Mainz as high as 12th in the table — a remarkable turnaround considering their struggles earlier in the season.
Image source, Getty ImagesMiro Muheim and Giorgi Gocholeishvili of Hamburg celebrate the draw with the fans during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and FC Bayern München
Meanwhile, Hamburg are building belief and enjoying their strongest Bundesliga campaign in nearly a decade. Unbeaten in their last five matches, HSV have drawn three and won their last two, building valuable breathing space between themselves and the drop zone.
Their recent form has been particularly eye-catching. They held league leaders Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw before securing wins over 1. FC Heidenheim and 1. FC Union Berlin.
It marks Hamburg’s best return at this stage of a Bundesliga season since 2015/16, when they were 11th after 19 matches and went on to finish 10th. A win on Friday could see HSV move nine points clear of the relegation zone — and further underline their resurgence.
