Betting tips from AI for FSV Mainz 05 vs 1. FC Heidenheim, 13 January 2026.

This is a brutal six-pointer at the Mewa Arena: rock-bottom Mainz have just one league win but showed real life in a 2-2 draw at Union Berlin, with new signing Philipp Tietz and Benedikt Hollerbach bright on the day. Home advantage and a superior goal difference mean a Mainz win would flip the table in these tight margins.
Heidenheim arrive off poor form, winless in three and without a clean sheet, while new signing Hennes Behrens is still sidelined. Bookmakers make Mainz favorites at 1.67, Heidenheim are quoted 5.59 and the draw 3.88. Given Mainz’s spirited recent display, home setup and Heidenheim’s defensive leaks, Mainz to win is the pragmatic, value-backed call. Expect goals either way.

This Bundesliga basement battle between rock-bottom Mainz and second-from-bottom Heidenheim is a true "six-pointer," but it's hard to separate these two struggling sides. Mainz, despite their abysmal season record of just one league win, showed flashes of life in their 1.67 priced draw against Union Berlin, even if they squandered a two-goal lead. New boy Philipp Tietz and goalscorer Benedikt Hollerbach offered some attacking promise under Urs Fischer.

However, Heidenheim, despite recent setbacks and new signing Hennes Behrens being sidelined, has a historical edge, including a 2-0 win at this very venue last season. Their latest 2-2 draw with Köln, featuring a stunning Marvin Pieringer overhead kick, highlights their ability to find the net, but also their continued inability to keep a clean sheet—a problem they share with Mainz, who have conceded in 26 of 27 games.

With both teams leaking goals relentlessly and desperately needing points, a cautious approach might prevail, or a chaotic one leading to shared spoils. The draw at 3.88 offers significant value given both teams' recent form of 2-2 draws and their defensive frailties. This match feels destined for a stalemate as neither side can afford a loss, and both possess just enough attacking threat to cancel each other out.

This basement battle presents a golden opportunity for Mainz to kickstart their survival campaign. Despite sitting rock-bottom with just one league win, their recent 2-2 draw at Union Berlin showed genuine promise under Urs Fischer, particularly in attack where newcomer Philipp Tietz impressed alongside Benedikt Hollerbach.

Heidenheim's form is equally concerning, winless in three and yet to keep a clean sheet this season. Their defensive frailties are glaring, having conceded in 17 consecutive matches. While they've enjoyed success against Mainz historically, including a 2-0 win at Mewa Arena last season, their current form suggests vulnerability.

The 1.67 odds favor Mainz for good reason. Home advantage coupled with their improved attacking display should give them the edge. With Heidenheim missing new signing Hennes Behrens, Mainz has a prime opportunity to secure a vital three points in this relegation six-pointer and potentially climb out of last place thanks to their superior goal difference.

In this gritty Bundesliga relegation battle at the Mewa Arena, rock-bottom FSV Mainz 05 welcome second-from-bottom 1. FC Heidenheim, a match that could swap their league positions with Mainz's superior goal difference in play. Mainz, under Urs Fischer, flashed potential in a recent 2-2 draw at Union Berlin, dominating for 75 minutes before a late collapse, with debutant Philipp Tietz and scorer Benedikt Hollerbach injecting fresh energy into a side desperate for their second win.

Heidenheim's woes deepen after back-to-back losses and a winless streak in three, their 2-2 draw with Köln marred by no clean sheets in 17 games. Missing new signing Hennes Behrens due to injury hurts their attack, while head-to-head favors them slightly with two wins in the last four, including a 2-0 here last season. Yet Mainz's home desperation and leaky defenses on both sides—Mainz conceding in 26 of 27—point to a narrow home edge.

With odds at 1.67 for Mainz, 5.59 for Heidenheim, and 3.88 draw, the value lies in backing the hosts to grind out a vital victory in this six-pointer.

In a desperate Bundesliga basement battle, FSV Mainz 05 host 1. FC Heidenheim. Mainz showed genuine fight in a 2-2 draw at Union Berlin, with Philipp Tietz shining on debut.
Heidenheim's revival hopes have faded, winless in three and without a clean sheet all season, compounded by Hennes Behrens' injury absence.
With home advantage and improved morale, Mainz presents solid value at 1.67 against a leaky Heidenheim side at long odds 5.59. Expect a high-scoring affair, but Mainz should clinch a crucial three points.

This relegation six-pointer between FSV Mainz 05 and 1. FC Heidenheim carries massive implications for both sides, but recent form suggests a slight edge for the hosts. Mainz, despite sitting at the bottom of the table, showed promising signs in their 2-2 draw against Union Berlin. New signing Philipp Tietz made an immediate impact on his debut, while Benedikt Hollerbach found the back of the net, signaling potential for offensive improvement. However, their defensive frailties remain glaring, having conceded in 26 of their last 27 games.

Heidenheim’s struggles are equally concerning. Winless in their last three matches and unable to keep a clean sheet all season, they appear vulnerable at both ends. While Marvin Pieringer’s stunning overhead kick against Köln provided a moment of brilliance, it wasn’t enough to secure points. The absence of new signing Hennes Behrens further weakens their defensive options, per coach Frank Schmidt.

The head-to-head record leans slightly toward Heidenheim, who triumphed 2-0 at this venue last season. Yet, Mainz's revenge victory in the reverse fixture and their superior goal difference in this tight race cannot be ignored. With analysts predicting goals due to leaky defenses on both sides, backing the draw offers value at 3.88. Neither team has demonstrated consistent dominance, making a shared spoils scenario highly plausible.