FSV Mainz 05 vs West Ham United Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Mainz had a mediocre league campaign in the 2017-18 season. The club finished 14th, with the fourth worst goal difference in the division and only two places above the relegation zone.

There have been significant changes during the summer as a result. Primarily, promising young players have been targeted to refresh the team, in particular striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta, signed from Lyon, and they will be hoping he can improve a goal-scoring record of 1.12 goals a game on average. On the other hand, the club has lost star defender Abdou Diallo to Borussia Dortmund, albeit for over £20m, and it will be interesting to see how the team copes without him.

Based on pre-season form, it appears the team have handled it just fine. The club have won all three of their pre-season matches, including a 5-1 victory against Ginsheim. Coupled with victories against Dortmund and Leipzig towards the end of last season, there should be some optimism that Mainz will not be finishing near the bottom again.

It has been all-change at West Ham United following the end of last season. The board have reacted to the charges that under David Moyes, the style of play was turgid, conceding an awful 68 goals, as well as the belief that they had not invested enough into the team. In response, Moyes is gone, and in comes Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is known for an exciting brand of play, particularly with his Manchester City side. Furthermore, just over £90m has been spent, the fifth-highest amount in Europe, to bring in some classy players such as playmaker Felipe Anderson from Lazio and midfielder Jack Wilshere from Arsenal. In addition, promising defender Issa Diop and proven Premier League goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski have been signed with the intention that they will be able to shore up the defence. With the amount spent and with the manager in charge, a top-ten finish and a good cup run should be the target.

Pre-season form has bolstered the Hammers’ confidence. Unbeaten in four pre-season games, the club have beaten teams such as Aston Villa and Ipswich to gain some momentum coming into this game.

Mainz will provide a tougher prospect for the Hammers’ however, and with both in such great form, we think they will cancel each other out in a high-scoring, entertaining draw in Germany. A correct score prediction of 2-2 reflects both teams confidence and recent willingness to attack.