Big game for Mainz and for Casey... Mainz unbeaten at home over last 10 games- dating back to BL2.. Mainz is a rut, and would go to full-blown mini-crisis with loss against Bochum. On paper and otherwise, this should and needs to be a win for Mainz w/2 goals scored or more. Bochum has struggled mightily last 10 games, and lets up goals too...A tie would also be a disappointment. Mainz offense has only scored 1 goal in last 2 games (worst stretch of season) and Casey has been on the pitch for that- but if you recall, he had a clear goal called back against Hanover, has been very active (contributing, creating chances for himself/others) and has generally received good reviews last 3 games. (his strike partner Auer has suffered, and generally played worse). However, Conor does need to stick one in this week, otherwise he may start becoming seen as part of the problem...He likely will start and play major minutes. In fairness, Mainz is also struggling due to loss (several games ago) of their midfield regisseur Azaouagh, out with injury until after break. On a generally thin talent Mainz team, he was the guy who made things 'go'. After this week, only 3 games left until the break (including Bayern Munich in Munich in 10 days. So a good showing + goal(s) this week would likely keep Casey in the starting lineup until winter break- regardless of how the game in Munich goes..... Finally, Mainz has around 7 ex-Hannover players (or Hannover born) in their team. Kicker mused that Mainz needed help (w/current injuries) and would they look to Hannover for help? I see to recall a talented Hannover striker who is on the outs at the moment......hmmmm.......
Re: 11/20 (R) Bochum at Mainz (Casey) http://www.kicker.de/content/spielp...ag=14&spielpaarung=677788&turnier=&bvc_atab=4 Per Kicker, Casey starting and N. Weiland still hurt. Casey should get a good run of 70-80 minutes (at least), unless he is just awful. Time for Mainz to step up this week....Bochum has let up 3 goals in each of their 3 last away matches. Mainz should score at least 2 this week (or they are underperforming...)
Halftime. Tracker has some good interplay between Auer and Casey, with a couple of chances for the former.
1-0 for Mainz early in the 2nd half. So far, so good for Mainz, dominating...however, a one goal lead is so thin. They need to stick another in...
Mainz absolutely dominating offensive 'stats'.....all except score. Still 1-0. Bochum finally with a shot in the 58., and they hit the sidenetting. Mainz needs that 2nd...
Still 1-0 in the 72. Casey very active in setting up others (not in shooting), however ticker said he gave Babitz a '100% chance' fully free in front of goal....and Babitz skied in high and wide.....o vey....better hope that doesn't come back to bite them..
Whew....Mainz left it out there, and almost paid for missing some great chances. Importantly, Mainz beats a team below them, and if they keep doing that (even with just their home games), they should basically stay up for next year... Sounds like Conor did enough to keep his starting spot for next week's big game against Bayern- but Mainz will have to start scoring more goals. 1 a game will not cut it...
In Klopp's postgame comments, he was very complimentary of his team....even saying, "If we play like this, we can beat any one". Of course, he also stated they should have scored 4 or 5 goals in the 1st half, but he said (likely with a wink) "we are 'storing' those for a later game... Seems like coach is happy w/Casey, team and hard to think changes are in store for next week. We can all hope they 'cash in' some of those goals from this week against mighty Bayern...