Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who will get their respective Europa Conference League quarter-finals adventures underway on Thursday night, Mainz will welcome Strasbourg over to Germany.
Mainz
Starting with the hosts, while Mainz might have struggled to find any kind of stability prior to signing off 2025, the Carnival Club have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Shattering plenty of records this season and receiving plenty of plaudits from across the continent, Urs Fischer’s side will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from March’s international break with another stellar display as they secured a shock 2-1 victory away at Hoffenheim, Mainz are riding what has become a major wave of momentum. Extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they secured a 2-0 aggregate win against Czech-based outfit Sigma Olomouc, Thursday’s hosts have also won each of their last four consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Mainz Team News
Picking up a first-half knock against Hoffenheim over the weekend and limping off with a reported muscle issue, Mainz are expected to be without German midfielder Dominik Kohr. Likewise, dealing with a stacked injury list, Fischer’s side will once again be without Maxim Dal, Stefan Bell and former Bayer Leverkusen star Nadiem Amiri.
Bagging both goals on Saturday afternoon and finding the net for the first time since the end of January, Phillip Tietz should keep his spot leading the line. Completing a loan switch from Como during the January transfer window, Austrian international Stefan Posch will start at the heart of Mainz’s defence.
Strasbourg
As for the visitors, while Strasbourg might have watched Liam Rosenior complete a move to Premier League heavyweights Chelsea back in January, Le Racing haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Clearly enjoying life under Gary O’Neil’s guidance, the Blues are regarded as a genuine Europa Conference League contender in 2026. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from March’s international break with a thumping 3-1 victory at home against Nice, the former Wolves boss should find the mood in his camp at a continued high. Heading into the fortnight interval with a rollercoaster 3-2 win away at Nantes, Strasbourg are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 2-1 loss against Le Havre on February 8th.
Strasbourg Team News
Missing out against Nice over the weekend with a reported back issue, Strasbourg are once again sweating over the fitness of Ivory Coast starlet Abdoul Ouattara. Former Chelsea youngster Diego Moreira remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue and won’t feature here.
Completing a permanent switch from Nottingham Forest last summer, Ireland international Andrew Omobamidele will start at the heart of Le Racing’s defence. Although former Brighton star Julio Enciso might have notched a second Ligue 1 strike of the season last time out, the 22-year-old might be forced to settle for a spot on the bench in Germany.
Mainz vs Strasbourg Key Factors to Consider
Thursday’s showdown in Germany will be the first competitive meeting between Mainz and Strasbourg.
Mainz have won each of their last four straight appearances across all competitions 8-2.
In fact, Thursday’s hosts have remarkably lost just one of their last 12 consecutive matchups across all fronts.
Strasbourg are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 2-1 loss against Le Havre on February 8th.
Five of Strasbourg’s last six matchups on the road have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Two camps who have continued on a sensational purple patch on either side of March’s international break, we could be treated to an enjoyable Europa Conference League showdown here. While Strasbourg might travel to Germany pencilled in as a real underdog contender, Le Racing have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. With O’Neil’s camp seeing five of their last six away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Source:
www.soccernews.com
