Mainz will take on RB Leipzig on Saturday, 19 October with the visitors looking for a win that could take them to the top of the Bundesliga table if other results go their way.
Leipzig have started the season very well and look more likely than ever before to seriously threaten in a title race alongside the likes of Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Mainz are currently plodding along in midtable and will provide Leipzig with a tough test, particularly at the MEWA Arena.
How the bookies view it: The visitors go in as favourites
Given that nobody in the Bundesliga has accumulated more points than RB Leipzig so far this season, it should come as no surprise that they are the favourites to win this match. Betfred have priced an away win at 9/10 while a win for Mainz has been priced at 11/4. The draw, which would be a good result for the hosts, has also been priced at 11/4.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Mainz
What does come as a surprise, however, is Mainz's recent record against RB Leipzig. They are unbeaten over their last four meetings with Leipzig (two wins and two draws) and won last season's corresponding fixture 2-0 in front of their home supporters.
RB Leipzig's last win over Mainz came in 2022 but they haven't won a match at the MEWA Arena since 2020.
Players to watch: Two forwards in good form
Mainz will take great confidence from their recent record against RB Leipzig but they will also take hope from the fact they have one of the most in-form strikers in the league so far this season. Jonathan Burkadt has scored five Bundesliga goals already this season with Omar Marmoush the only player to have more.
Burkadt's early season form saw him called up to the German national team for the first time ever during the international break. While he failed to get on the scoresheet in his two substitute appearances for Germany, he is bound to have a spring in his step coming into this one.
RB Leipzig have a forward who has started the season very well, too. Lois Openda has stolen the limelight from Benjamin Sesko so far this campaign with four goals and one assist in six league appearances. He netted for Belgium against France during the international break and will be looking forward to this one.
Predicted line-ups
Mainz have a couple of players missing for this one with Dominik Kohr set to miss out due to suspension and Karim Onisiwo a doubt due to a thigh injury. RB Leipzig have more concerns with four players potentially missing. Experienced midfielder, Kevin Kampl, is in a race against time to be fit due to a groin problem.
Mainz: Zentner – Hanche-Olsen, Jenz, Leitsch – Caci, Amiri, Sano, Mwene – Hong, Lee – Burkardt
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi – Geertruida, Orban, Castello, Henrichs – Nusa, Haidara, Vermeeren, Simons – Openda, Sesko
Anything else catch the eye?
Mainz have struggled at home so far this season, with both of their league wins coming away from the MEWA Arena. They have failed to score more than one goal in a single match at home so far and they are priced at 4/9 to score under 1.5 goals on Saturday.
This German Bundesliga match between Mainz and RB Leipzig will be played on Oct 19, 2024 and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Mainz vs RB Leipzig prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
