VfB Stuttgart and FSV Mainz 05 Prediction: Stuttgart to win by a 2-goal margin

In round 21 of the German Bundesliga, Stuttgart takes on Mainz at the MHPArena on Sunday while still nursing their wounds from their DFB Pokal elimination. Both teams have had rather different seasons; the hosts are expected to qualify for the Champions League, while Jan Siewert's team is now mired in the relegation zone.

Stuttgart was eliminated from the DFB Pokal on Tuesday at the Bay Arena after losing to Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

Now that they are back in action in the Bundesliga, Sebastian Hoeneß's team is winning two straight games after defeating Freiburg and RB Leipzig, respectively. With 40 points from 20 games, Stuttgart is presently third in the league standings, 12 points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, after an incredible league season.

At Mewa Arena, Union Berlin held Mainz to a 1-1 draw, dealing the team another setback in their struggle to survive. After winning 2-0 over Leipzig in November, Siewert's team has now lost four and drawn six of their last ten Bundesliga games.

Mainz is now last but one in the league rankings with 12 points from 20 games, one point ahead of last-place Darmstadt. A win will do a world of good for the away side. How to get that win is the issue. 

Stuttgart's form has been solid in the Bundesliga this season with the team occupying 3rd position on the Bundesliga table after accruing 40 points. However, their recent performance has been mixed with wins, draws, and losses. Considering the last five games played, they won against Augsburg and RB Leipzig but lost against Bayern Munich, Bichum, and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Stuttgart has made their home ground a fortress but away from home is a different story. Stuttgart has shown they can secure wins and draw against tough opponents, but they also have experienced significant defeats. The away form of Stuttgart is very worrying as the team has lost four and drawn just one of the last five games played. 

Mainz's recent Bundesliga form has been characterized by low-scoring matches. Their recent results include a 0-1 loss to 1. FC Heidenheim 1846, a 0-0 draw with Cologne, a 0-1 loss to Freiburg, a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim, and another 0-0 draw with Darmstadt. However, they did manage a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig.

Mainz has demonstrated a strong defensive capability, often keeping clean sheets, but they have struggled to find the back of the net.

Stuttgart will be hoping to get a positive outcome this weekend after suffering a close cup loss. Mainz has not defeated Stuttgart in their previous seven meetings, therefore we believe the home team can continue their strong home success with another triumph.

The potential scoreline is a 2-1 or 3-1 win for the home.