Mainz vs. Hertha Berlin: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Mainz have been flying under Svensson, picking up 28 points from a possible 48 under the Dane, compared to six from 14 before his arrival. The 05ers gave their survival hopes another significant shot in the arm thanks to a stunning 2-1 win over Bayern Munich last time out, extending their unbeaten run to six in the process. Having played a game less than the majority of the teams around them, the Karnevalsverein can move eight points clear of the relegation play-off place with victory over Hertha. Forward Jonathan Burkardt opened the scoring against Bayern before making way with a head injury, but should be fit to start. Robin Quaison was also on target, and is expected to retain his place in attack alongside either Karim Onisiwo or Adam Szalai, Mainz's match-winner in Bremen on Matchday 30. Stefan Bell could return in defence at the expense of Alexander Hack, with Jean-Paul Boetius also pushing for a recall in midfield.

Hertha were only two points worse off than Mainz, above the relegation zone on goal difference, when the entire playing and coaching staff were required by the local health authority to self-isolate at home due to cases of Covid-19 on 16 April. The Old Lady have since slipped to 17th place, and resume their campaign three points behind play-off incumbents Cologne, with Arminia Bielefeld and Werder Bremen a further point over the horizon, separated by goal difference, in 15th and 14th respectively. The resultant fixture pile-up means Pal Dardai's men will play their remaining six matches of the 2020/21 season over 19 days. Striker Krzysztof Piatek should be given an opportunity to end a four-game scoreless run in the absence of Dodi Lukebakio, who was still unable to partake in team training on Friday. Sami Khedira and Vladimir Darida are options for the midfield, while Alexander Schwolow will continue in goal in the absence of Rune Jarstein.

Match stats

Following a run of 11 games without a goal, Quaison has scored twice in his last four games. He's Mainz's leading marksman in 2020/21 with four.

Mainz sit fifth in the Rückrunde table on 27 points, behind only Wolfsburg (28), Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig (both 29) and Bayern (32).

The 05ers have won three of their last four Bundesliga home games against Hertha.

Matheus Cunha and Jhon Cordoba are Hertha's seven-goal leading scorers in 2020/21.

Hertha have won two of 10 matches since Dardai returned as coach, drawing three and losing five.

The Berlin club have conceded eight penalties this season, as well as six in 21 Bundesliga meetings with Mainz.

Probable line-ups

Mainz: Zentner - St. Juste, Bell, Niakhate (c) - da Costa, Barreiro, Latza, Mwene - Burkardt, Quaison, Onisiwo

Out: Kilian (thigh), Nebel (foot)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Bo Svensson

Hertha: Schwolow - Klünter, Stark (c), M. Dardai - Zeefuik, Tousart, Khedira, Mittelstädt - Cunha - Cordoba, Piatek

Out: Jarstein (not included), Löwen (muscular), Lukebakio (not included), Netz (foot), Plattenhardt (not included)

Doubtful: Boyata (match fitness)

Coach: Pal Dardai