Rot-Weiß Essen hosts Waldhof Mannheim on March 9, 2025, at 18:30 UTC in what promises to be an exciting 3. Liga encounter at Stadion an der Hafenstraße. With Essen priced at 2.15 for a home win, a draw at 3.40, and Mannheim at 3.08 for an away victory, the odds suggest a tight contest.

Looking at recent form, Essen secured a stunning 3-3 away win against Dynamo Dresden earlier this season, defying 5.00 odds. Meanwhile, their last head-to-head meeting on November 12, 2023, saw Essen claim a 2-0 victory over Mannheim. These results indicate Essen’s ability to perform in crucial fixtures.

Statistically, home teams have won 42.0% of 3. Liga matches, while away teams have taken 31.0% of the victories, with draws occurring 27.0% of the time. Goals are expected, as 77.9% of games have seen over 1.5 goals, making our best betting tip: Over 1.5 goals (1.25 odds, 5.6/10 confidence) a strong choice.

Possession is forecasted to be 49% for Essen and 51% for Mannheim, suggesting a balanced battle. Both teams are expected to generate 16 and 15 total shots, respectively, with 4 on-target efforts each. Corners could play a role, with Mannheim projected to earn 9 corners compared to Essen’s 5.

Discipline-wise, both teams are expected to receive three yellow cards each, reinforcing the likelihood of a physical contest. Squad valuations are also close, with Essen at €6.22m and Mannheim slightly higher at €6.55m, indicating a well-matched encounter.

Our 1X2 prediction leans toward a home win (2.15 odds, 2.8/10 confidence), but the safest bet remains Over 1.5 goals. A 2-1 final scoreline is projected, with a 1-1 halftime result, making this a game where both teams could find the net.

With Essen’s recent form and Mannheim’s resilience, expect a competitive clash with goals on the board. Bettors should strongly consider the Over 1.5 goals market, as historical trends and current form support a high-scoring affair.