Mainz host Bayer Leverkusen this weekend in the German Bundesliga in a clash that could decide a European spot for the home side. With both teams boasting plenty of quality going forward, a high-scoring contest looks to be on the cards.
Mainz head into their final game following a 4-1 league win at Bochum, their first victory in seven league matches. The result lifted them into the top six, putting them in the mix for a UEFA Conference League finish.
A win on Saturday will earn them a place in Europe but they must tighten up at the back having conceded in their last 10 Bundesliga matches, if they are to have a chance. The win at Bochum highlights their attacking quality and Bo Henriksen’s men have scored two or more goals in seven of their last 10 home matches in the league.
Saturday's clash will be Xabi Alonso's final match in charge of Bayer Leverkusen after announcing his decision to leave at the end of the season. They can finish no lower than second in the table and are coming off a 4-2 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund last time out.
Leverkusen have been one of the leading scorers in the league this season and have been on target in nine of their last 10 matches in the league. However, their defending needs some work as they are without a clean sheet in four of their last five away matches in the league.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Mainz
Mainz have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at evens by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Bayer Leverkusen is valued at 17/10 by BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 17/10 for a draw.
Head to head: Bayern Leverkusen on top
Bayer Leverkusen have a 21-12 advantage with five draws from 38 previous matches against Mainz. They claimed a 1-0 home victory in the reverse fixture and also eased to a 3-0 win in their last visit to MEWA Arena.
Players to watch: Reliable Schick
Patrik Schick is Bayer Leverkusen’s top scorer with 19 Bundesliga goals this season and will be the one to watch on Saturday. The striker also has three goals in his last five away matches and is priced at 6/4 by BoyleSports to find the net.
Mainz also have a prolific forward of their own, with Jonathan Burkhardt netting 17 Bundesliga goals this season. He has also been on target in the last two matches and is priced at 11/10 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Moritz Jenz, Dominik Kohr and Maxim Dal are unavailable for Mainz due to injuries. However, Burkardt, Paul Nebel and Nadiem Amiri are all expected to start.
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Nordi Mukiele, Mario Hermoso and Martin Terrier due to knocks. However, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Schick are expected to start.
Mainz: Riess, da Costa, Bell, Hanche-Olsen, Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene, Nebel, Lee, Burkardt
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Hincapie, Tah, Tapsoba, Grimaldo, Xhaka, Andrich, Frimpong, Tella, Wirtz, Schick
Anything else catch the eye?
Bayer Leverkusen have scored first in six of the last eight games in all competitions. A repeat is expected at 11/10 on BoyleSports. Three of their last four away matches have produced more goals after the break and a similar outcome could be on the cards at 11/10 with BoyleSports.
There have been over 3.5 goals in Bayer Leverkusen’s last two matches and a similar outcome can be considered at 23/20.
Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
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