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Bayer Leverkusen continue their quest for a place in the Bundesliga‘s top four, when they travel to take on Mainz 05 on Saturday at Mewa Arena.
Both sides come out of the international break with seven points from the first four matchweeks of the season, though fifth-placed Leverkusen are above sixth-placed Mainz due to superior goal difference.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen key stats
- Mainz have conceded three goals in each of their last two fixtures.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Mainz and Leverkusen.
- Leverkusen have scored first in five of their six fixtures this season.
Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: A key battle for top four?
Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen — Tale of the Tape
| Mainz 05 | vs | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Position | 5th |
| 7 | Points | 7 |
| 10 | Goals For | 10 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 5 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 16th | Home / Away Rank | 9th |
Mainz's entered the three-week break on the back of a 4-3 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach, and that game has perhaps defined their season so far.
The hosts' performances at both ends of the pitch have been inconsistent, with the club having twice scored at least four goals in the league, but they only netted once in their other two top-flight fixtures.
Boss Urs Fischer has now overseen three wins from his last five games in all competitions, a period in which they lost just once.
With centre-back Dominik Kohr ruled out, expect to see Stefan Posch, Fabio Gruber and Kacper Potulski stationed in a three-man defence.
Bayer Leverkusen will arrive at Mewa Arena having defeated RB Leipzig 2-0 before the international break, and that result could be significant in the race for a Champions League spot.
The visitors deserve credit for bouncing back from what could have been a psychologically damaging 3-2 defeat against Elversberg in matchweek one, with the club now unbeaten in four games.
Head coach Carles Martinez will know that his side boast an exceptional record against their hosts, with his side aiming for a fifth victory in seven meetings with Mainz, and it would also extend their unbeaten streak to seven games.
Considering Bayer Leverkusen right-back Guela Doue is struggling with a calf issue, Jarell Quansah is almost certain to fill in on the right side of defence.
Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen form guide & betting tips
| Mainz 05 | vs | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|---|
DWLW |
Form | LWDW |
| 7 | Points | 7 |
| N/A | Form Table | N/A |
| 10 | Goals For | 10 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 5 |
WDWLW |
Form (All Comps) | LWDWW |
Whispers predicts: Mainz 05 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen
The bookmakers believe that both sides could come out on top, though they have priced a Bayer Leverkusen victory more favourably at 6/5 (2.2).
Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Mainz and Leverkusen, so it may make sense to predict Both Teams to Score at 2/5 (1.4).
The visitors have netted first in five of their six games this season, and that makes a bet of Bayer Leverkusen to Score First at 4/5 (1.8) a sensible move.
Given Mainz have conceded three goals in each of their last two games, there may be value in predicting Over 2.5 Goals for Bayer Leverkusen at 9/4 (3.25).
> Both Teams to Score at 2/5 (1.4) | Likelihood: High
> Bayer Leverkusen to Score First at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Medium
> Over 2.5 Goals for Bayer Leverkusen at 9/4 (3.25) | Likelihood: Low