Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Match Preview
A decisive final matchday in the League Phase takes place at the Mewa Arena on Thursday, 18 December 2025. Both Mainz 05 and Samsunspor sit comfortably in the upper echelon of the table, level on 10 points each (Mainz 8th, Samsunspor 5th). However, recent form is a major concern for both sides. Mainz are winless in their last five matches across all competitions, battling an injury crisis that has decimated their defense. Samsunspor are similarly struggling, having lost three of their last five. A win here guarantees a Top 8 finish and direct qualification to the Round of 16, bypassing the treacherous playoff round.1
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Conference League (League Phase – Matchday 6)
- Venue: Mewa Arena, Mainz (Capacity: 34,000)2
- Date: Thursday, 18 December 2025
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 23:00 TRT
- Referee: TBC (UEFA Appointment)
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Match Stakes
Mainz 05 (8th — 10 pts):
- Win → Moves to 13 pts; secures Top 8 spot and direct Round of 16 entry
- Draw → Risk dropping out of Top 8 depending on goal difference results elsewhere
- Loss → Drops into the playoff round (9th–24th); extends winless streak
Samsunspor (5th — 10 pts):
- Win → Moves to 13 pts; cements status as one of the tournament’s surprise packages
- Draw → Likely enough to stay in Top 8 due to superior goal difference
- Loss → Could slip to 9th or lower; dampens a strong European campaign
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Team News
Mainz 05:
- Defensive Crisis: Caci, Mwene, and Dal are out, with Widmer questionable.
- Zentner R. — Out (Groin Injury – Starting GK Missing)
- Veratschnig N. — Out (Red Card Suspension)
- Amiri N. — Questionable (Inactive/Fitness)
- Boey S. — Out (Illness – mentioned in previous context, likely still unavailable)
Samsunspor:
- No major fresh injuries reported in the build-up.
- Full squad expected to travel to Germany.
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Mainz 05
- 14/12 — 2–2 vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)3
- 12/12 — 1–1 vs Lech Poznan (UECL)
- 06/12 — 0–1 vs B. Monchengladbach (Bundesliga)
- 01/12 — 0–4 vs Freiburg (Bundesliga)
- 27/11 — 0–1 vs Univ. Craiova (UECL)
Samsunspor
- 14/12 — 0–2 vs Basaksehir (Süper Lig)
- 11/12 — 1–2 vs AEK Athens (UECL)
- 05/12 — 2–3 vs Galatasaray (Süper Lig)
- 01/12 — 1–1 vs Alanyaspor (Süper Lig)
- 28/11 — 2–2 vs Breidablik (UECL)
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Head-to-Head
- No previous competitive meetings found.
- This is the first-ever European clash between Mainz 05 and Samsunspor.
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Mainz 05 (3-4-2-1)
Riess; Kohr, Bell, Leitsch; Nebel (if fit) / Da Costa, Sano, Hong, Barkok; Lee, Sieb; Burkardt
Samsunspor (4-2-3-1)
Kocuk; Yavru, Satka, Drongelen, Bola; Bennasser, Tait; Holse, Ntcham, Kilinc; Mouandilmadji
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Impact Bench
Mainz 05: Onisiwo (Physical outlet), Weiper (Youth option), Richter (Creative spark)
Samsunspor: Dimata (Goal threat), Muja (Pace on the wing)
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Tactical Analysis
Mainz 05
Bo Henriksen has a headache. With his first-choice goalkeeper and nearly all senior full-backs injured or suspended, Mainz are extremely vulnerable defensively. The 2–2 draw against Bayern showed spirit, but also defensive frailty. They will rely on the high press led by Jonathan Burkardt and the creativity of Lee Jae-sung to keep Samsunspor pinned back, protecting their makeshift defense.
Samsunspor
The Turkish side prefers to play on the front foot but has leaked goals recently (9 conceded in last 4 games). Against a depleted Mainz backline, playmakers Olivier Ntcham and Carlo Holse will look to thread passes through the channels. Samsunspor’s strategy will likely be to exploit the wide areas where Mainz are fielding backup options.
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Key Battles
- Burkardt vs Drongelen — Mainz’s pressing forward vs Samsunspor’s aerial dominance
- Lee vs Bennasser — battle for space between the lines
- Holse vs Mainz Left-Back (Makeshift) — mismatch on the flank
- Riess vs Mouandilmadji — Backup GK tested by physical striker
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Spotlight Players
Mainz 05 — Lasse Riess
The backup goalkeeper steps into the spotlight with Robin Zentner out. After conceding two against Bayern, he needs a confident performance to calm a jittery defense.
Samsunspor — Carlo Holse
The Danish winger is the creative hub for Samsunspor. His delivery from set-pieces and open play could be the difference against a disorganized Mainz defense.
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Prediction
Mainz 05 2–2 Samsunspor
Both teams are scoring but cannot defend at the moment. Mainz’s injury list is severe, but home advantage and the confidence from the Bayern draw counts for something. Samsunspor have the quality to hurt them. A high-scoring draw seems inevitable, sending both through to the knockouts, potentially both in the Top 8.
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES (High confidence)
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Double Chance — Samsunspor or Draw (Mainz injuries make them risky)
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — Where to Watch
- Germany: RTL+
- Turkey: EXXEN
- International: DAZN / UEFA.tv
Mainz 05 vs Samsunspor — FAQs
Q: When is the Mainz vs Samsunspor match?
A: The match kicks off on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Is Robin Zentner playing?
A: No. The Mainz goalkeeper is out with a groin injury.
Q: Who qualifies from this match?
A: Both teams are currently on 10 points and likely qualified for at least the playoffs. The winner secures a direct Round of 16 spot.
Q: How many injuries does Mainz have?
A: Mainz are missing at least 6 key players, including their starting goalkeeper and multiple defenders.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
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