Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz 05

BayArena forms the backdrop for a lopsided Bundesliga showdown between table-topping Bayer Leverkusen and relegation-threatened Mainz 05.

Bayer Leverkusen’s dream 2023/24 campaign continued last weekend with a 2-1 victory at promoted Heidenheim, seeing them equal Bayern Munich’s record for the longest unbeaten streak in German football. Undefeated in all 32 matches this season (W28, D4), ‘Die Werkself’ could claim bragging rights with another win on home turf, where they’ve been nothing short of exceptional this league campaign (W9, D2). However, Xabi Alonso’s men shouldn’t take anything for granted as they’ve blown hot and cold in this fixture over the years (W8, D4, L5), not to mention losing this corresponding match-up in 2023/24 3-2. But a more robust defensive performance is on the cards, knowing the sovereign Bundesliga leaders have conceded a league-low six goals at home this term, suggesting they could extend their lead at the summit to 11 points before Bayern Munich take the field later this weekend.

On the other hand, Bo Henriksen, Mainz’s third manager this season, enjoyed a blistering start to his managerial tenure at the Mewa Arena last weekend, inspiring the relegation-battling outfit to a narrow 1-0 win over Augsburg. After arresting a dreadful 11-game winless league run (D5, L6) and, in turn, whittling down the gap on safety to six points, the visitors take this trip in pursuit of back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. But as the only Bundesliga side yet to taste top-flight success on the road in 2023/24 (D6, L5), ‘Die Nullfünfer’ will unlikely grace the field in high spirits, especially after losing their last two away league matches via an aggregate score of 4-1. Away goals have been at a premium for Mainz this season as they’ve averaged just 0.81 per Bundesliga travel, casting doubt on their bid to replicate last season’s upset at the BayArena.