Mainz will hope that the international break brings renewed momentum as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the MEWA Arena for round seven of the Bundesliga on Saturday.
The 05ers have endured a difficult start to the campaign, sitting 16th with only four points to their name, while Die Werkself have made a steadier start, collecting 11 points to place them fifth in the table.
Read our Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Bundesliga tips.
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Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction: Will Die Werkself capitalise on hosts’ struggles?
Key stats:
- Eight of Leverkusen’s last nine Bundesliga matches, stretching back to last season, have seen both teams find the net.
- Mainz have lost all three home fixtures in the league so far this term.
- Leverkusen are unbeaten in 36 consecutive away games in the Bundesliga — the longest active run in the division — winning around 67% of those matches.
- Only one of Mainz’s last nine Bundesliga outings has been won by the home side on the day, with the hosts losing five of those
Correct score prediction: Mainz 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Considering both teams’ current form and recent head-to-head record, the visitors appear well placed to take the points. Although Mainz are yet to register a goal at home in the league this season, Leverkusen’s defensive line has not been entirely watertight, suggesting the hosts could get on the scoresheet. Nevertheless, Die Werkself are likely to emerge victorious, having struck at least twice in all four away fixtures across all competitions this season.
Pre-match analysis: Visitors have the edge
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
The numbers indicate a slight advantage for the away side, suggesting a competitive contest is likely. Mainz, desperate to reverse their poor start, have been given a 37.0% chance of victory. However, given Leverkusen’s remarkable consistency on the road, their 43.5% win probability seems fitting. The away side’s record and momentum both point towards another strong performance, which aligns with our hot tip at odds of 2.3.
Most recent H2H: Will Die Werkself get back to winning ways at MEWA?
The most recent meeting between these sides ended in a 2-2 draw at the MEWA Arena last season. That was, however, the only occasion in the last three visits that Leverkusen failed to claim victory at the venue.
Germany Bundesliga I 17/05/25
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Germany Bundesliga I 14/01/25
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Germany Bundesliga I 23/02/24
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Germany Bundesliga I 30/09/23
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Germany Bundesliga I 19/02/23
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Mainz preview: Key absentees at the back
Mainz matched their joint-highest Bundesliga finish since 2010-11 last term by ending sixth but have struggled to rediscover that rhythm this season, with the challenge of managing both domestic and European fixtures seems to be taking its toll. Bo Henriksen’s men have earned only one win from six league games, heading into the international break after consecutive Bundesliga defeats — a 2-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund followed by a 4-0 humbling at Hamburger SV and now hope the two-week pause can provide a much-needed reset.
The hosts remain short-handed at the back. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner will miss a second consecutive match as he continues to serve his suspension following a straight red card against Dortmund. Defenders Maxim Dal and Anthony Caci remain sidelined through injury, while Maxim Leitsch is unavailable due to illness.
Predicted XI: Riess (GK), Kohr, Hanche-Olsen, Da Costa, Mwene, Amiri, Sano, Nordin, Lee, Nebel & Hollerbach
Last five results:
- 05/10/25: Hamburger SV 4-0 Mainz (L)
- 02/10/25: Omonia 0-1 Mainz (W)
- 27/09/25: Mainz 0-2 Dortmund (L)
- 20/09/25: Augsburg 1-4 Mainz (W)
- 13/09/25: Mainz 0-1 RB Leipzig (L)
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Injury concerns across the pitch
Leverkusen have made a balanced start to their league campaign, winning three, drawing two, and losing one. Die Werkself entered the international break on a high, recording successive Bundesliga victories for the first time since April and extending their unbeaten streak under Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag on September 8.
The Danish coach will now face his former side, having managed Mainz between 2014 and 2015. However, he faces fitness challenges in key positions. Defender Axel Tape, midfielder Exequiel Palacios, and wingers Martin Terrier and Nathan Tella are all ruled out through injury. Striker Patrik Schick also remains a doubt and could miss his second successive league outing.
Predicted XI: Flekken (GK), Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba, L. Vazquez, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo, Tillman, Poku & Kofane
Last five results:
- 04/10/25: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Union Berlin (W)
- 01/10/25: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 PSV (D)
- 27/09/25: St. Pauli 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen (W)
- 21/09/25: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 B. Monchengladbach (D)
- 18/09/25: FC Copenhagen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen (D)
Player to watch: Christian Kofane
In Schick’s absence, Christian Kofane has stepped up impressively, finding the net in back-to-back fixtures across the Champions League and Bundesliga before the break. With the Czech forward unlikely to feature this weekend, the Kofane will again shoulder responsibility in attack, and all eyes will be on the 19-year-old to deliver once more as Die Werkself aim for a third straight league victory.