Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg Prediction: Tight quarter-final in prospect

Strasbourg are considered Crystal Palace’s chief threat in the Conference League betting but they face a tough test in their quarter-final against resurgent Bundesliga outfit Mainz.

Strasbourg, who are managed by former Wolves manager Gary O'Neil, topped the league phase with five wins and one draw and they showed their quality as they powered past Rijeka in the round of 16. Mainz finished seventh in the league-phase standings but their form has been taken to a new level in recent months and they outclassed Sigma Olomouc 2-0 on aggregate in the previous round. Read on for my Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg predictions.

Team News

Mainz have an extensive injury list to contend with and defensively have been disrupted by the absences of centre-backs Stefan Bell, Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Maxim Dal.

Goalkeeper Robin Zentner and Anthony Caci are also missing for the hosts, with strikers Benedict Hollerbach and Silas Katompa Mvumpa out for the season.

Strasbourg will be unable to call upon the services of Joaquin Panichelli, Junior Mwanga and Diego Moreira, but ex-Premier League pair Ben Chilwell and Julio Enciso should figure.

Mainz 05 vs Strasbourg Odds

Armed with home advantage at the Mewa Arena, Mainz are even-money to claim a first-leg lead with Strasbourg 5/2 to put themselves in the driving seat. The draw is available at 13/5.

Both teams have scored in five of Mainz’s last seven home matches and a repeat is 8/11, while over 2.5 goals has landed in six of Strasbourg’s last seven road outings and can be backed at 10/11.

Match Result - Draw @ 13/5

These are two in-form teams and they could be difficult to separate in the opening leg of their Conference League quarter-final at the Mewa Arena.

Mainz had looked to be at risk of relegation in the Bundesliga but they have turned themselves inside out since the turn of the year and are up to ninth following a run of just two defeats in 15.

Urs Fischer's side have won their last four matches but that came on the back of a sequence of four draws and Strasbourg will be a tough nut to crack.

The Ligue 1 visitors have become Chelsea’s feeder club in recent times but they continue to have success and they head to Germany unbeaten in 10 matches.

Strasbourg are yet to taste defeat from eight Conference League fixtures, but they have drawn two of their last four away games and may feel that a share on Thursday will set them up nicely for qualification.

Martial Godo to score anytime @ 11/4

With four goals and three assists in seven Conference League appearances, Martial Godo has been as important as anyone to Strasbourg in this competition and he could enhance his growing reputation.

The 23-year-old, formerly of Wigan and Fulham, has eight goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances and he should be full of confidence having scored and assisted on his international debut for the Ivory Coast in a 4-0 friendly victory over South Korea at the end of March.

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