1. Fußball- und Sport-Verein Mainz 05 vs. Samsunspor Futbol Kulübü Prediction on December 18, 2025

Match info

This is Matchday 6 of the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League league phase, the fifth season of Europe’s tertiary men’s club football tournament organized by UEFA, is the final league-phase round. So points here can decide whether you finish in the top-8 (direct to the round of 16) or drop into the 9–24 zone (knockout play-offs).

Coming into the last matchday, both 1. Fußball- und Sport-Verein Mainz 05 and Samsunspor Futbol Kulübü are right in that top-8 fight, sitting on 10 points after five games. However, given that there’s a long list of teams with nine points each, the win in the upcoming match on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 21:00 (CET, Central European Time (local time), at MEWA ARENA is of utmost importance for both the German and Turkish side. A draw or defeat risks slipping into the playoff zone depending on results elsewhere. That high-stakes context explains why markets for this game have attracted attention across the top 10 betting sites in Europe, where qualification scenarios often shape pricing as much as pure form.

Meeting statistics

Current form and & playstyle: 1. Fußball- und Sport-Verein Mainz 05

“The 05ers” arrive at the match with a bit of “two different teams” energy. Domestically, they’ve been stuck at the bottom end of the Bundesliga, and the recent draw at Bayern showed the same pattern that’s hurt them all season: they can defend in blocks and punish moments (set plays / quick sequences), but they also spend long stretches suffering without the ball against stronger possession sides.

In Europe, though, Mainz have looked much more comfortable: their Conference League numbers show a tight defensive profile (low goals conceded) and the campaign has been built on staying compact, winning second balls, and turning games into margin football rather than shootouts.

Current form & playstyle: Samsunspor Futbol Kulübü

“The Red Lightning” has been the more “steady climber” in this league phase: they’ve generally taken care of business well enough to stay in the top pack, but they also come in with a warning light after a recent 1–2 defeat to AEK Athens (a swing result in the race near the top) and a 0–2 domestic loss to İstanbul Başakşehir.

Tactically, they’ve often lined up in a structured 4-1-4-1/4-2-3-1 type shape under Thomas Reis, looking to stay organized and then attack quickly when lanes open—especially important away from home in Europe, where game management matters.

Head-to-head

This appears to be a first-ever competitive meeting between Mainz and Samsunspor (no meaningful prior H2H record is listed for them on major match hubs).

Match analytics

With direct qualification potentially on the line, this matchup points toward a measured, tactical battle rather than an open shootout. Mainz’s disciplined European home approach and Samsunspor’s conservative away setup suggest long spells of control, patience, and risk management.

Tip: Match Result – 90 Mins, Draw, at 3.90 odds on ReloadBet.