The stage is set at MEWA Arena in Mainz, where the DFB-Pokal second-round clash between Mainz 05 and VfB Stuttgart will kick off at 18:00 CEST. Both teams arrive with ambitions to progress in the cup, making this midweek encounter crucial for momentum and confidence as the season develops. Fans at the stadium can expect a competitive atmosphere, with Mainz defending home turf against a Stuttgart side that has shown resilience on the road.
Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen faces selection challenges, missing goalkeeper Robin Zentner and defenders Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal due to suspension. Forwards Jae-Sung Lee and Benedict Hollerbach have returned to training and could feature off the bench or even start, adding attacking options. Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeneß has Ermedin Demirović unavailable with a muscular issue, and full-back Maximilian Mittelstädt is a doubt. Both squads will have to adjust their line-ups accordingly, testing squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Henriksen is expected to set Mainz up with a compact defensive structure, emphasizing intensity in midfield duels and aerial battles. Quick transitions and exploiting Stuttgart’s defensive gaps will likely define Mainz’s attacking strategy. Hoeneß, meanwhile, plans to maintain his attacking press while managing player rotation. His focus will be on using pace upfront and controlling possession, looking to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the hosts. Tactical discipline on both sides will be crucial given the knockout format of the cup.
Media coverage has largely highlighted Stuttgart’s momentum and recent superiority in head-to-head matches, portraying them as slight favourites. Analysts point to Mainz’s vulnerability in recent home games, noting lapses in defensive organization. Pundits are also emphasizing the impact of fixture congestion on Mainz, with European commitments potentially affecting stamina, while Stuttgart’s ability to rotate gives them a strategic advantage in freshness and consistency.
In studio discussions, experts are predicting an intense first half, where Mainz will rely on compactness and set pieces to stay in the contest. Stuttgart is expected to use width and speed to break through the defense, pressing high when opportunities arise. Analysts suggest that while the game could go either way, Stuttgart’s current form and tactical consistency make them slightly more likely to advance, whereas Mainz will need focus, intensity, and timely attacking moments to upset their visitors.
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Watch and Download Mainz 05 vs VfB Stuttgart full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The match played at MEWA ARENA, in DFB Pokal, Germany.
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