Mainz will look forward to take their unbeaten run to six matches as they travel to take on Eintracht Frankfurt, who reamin unfazed either way - a win or a loss.
Frankfurt are among the few teams that have defied the odds and become average. With 19 points from 14 matches, Frankfurt have as little a chance of being relegated as they have of qualifying for a place in Europe.
Having taken 23 points from 14 matches, Mainz now find themselves seventh place with three matches to go before the winter break. With forthcoming fixtures against lacklustre opponents Frankfurt and Stuttgart, Mainz must favour their chances of finishing the 2009 campaign in the top five.
Pirmin Schwegler, Caio, Umit Korkmaz, Patrick Ochs and Maik Franz are all now fully fit for the hosts after recent knocks and niggles.
Mainz coach Tuchel is pondering giving Eugen Polanski a start after he returned from injury to play 10 minutes against Hamburg last weekend.
REVIEW: