Struggling VfB Stuttgart will be aiming to put an end to 1. FSV Mainz 05’s five-game unbeaten run when the sides meet in the Matchday 16 opener at the Coface Arena on Friday evening (kick-off 20:30CET/19:30GMT).

History

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Top facts

Mainz failed to win any of their first eight games against Stuttgart, but have won five of the last ten meetings, losing just three.The 05ers have scored 26 goals against the Swabians – only against Wolfsburg (31) have they netted more.Stuttgart were Mainz's first ever Bundesliga opponents on 8 August 2004. The top-flight newcomers lost 4-2 away.VfB did not lose to Mainz last term drawing 1-1 away and winning 2-0 at home.Stuttgart have scored in each of the teams' last nine meetings.Interim coach Jürgen Kramny will be in charge of Stuttgart for this one.

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Possible line-ups:

Mainz: Karius - Brosinski, Hack, Bell, Bengtsson - Baumgartlinger (c) - De Blasis, Malli, Samperio - Muto, Niederlechner

Absentees: Frei (fitness), Soto (fitness)

Stuttgart: Tyton - Schwaab, Baumgartl, Sunjic, Insua - Rupp - Schwaab, Gentner (c) - Didavi - Maxim, Werner

Absentees: Langerak (knee), Klein (neck), Ginczek (back), Harnik (knee)