Top four finish for Bayer Leverkusen is becoming a real battle as the side plays host to Mainz at the Bay Arena. The match schedules for Saturday in the Bundesliga with kickoff at 16:30 GMT.
A 2-0 loss to Hertha BSC was enough to push off Bayer Leverkusen, the top four royalty. The side is currently fifth on the Bundesliga with 60 points, which is two points behind Borussia Monchengladbach. The side closes the gap for the top-four race with sixth-placed Wolfsburg behind with 11 points.
Bayer Leverkusen is putting inconsistent performances and could end up costing them Champions League football. However, the side is not far from redemption with a win this weekend, bringing them back to contention in the Bundesliga.
Mainz is currently battling the mid-table fixtures and is currently13th in the table. The side has 37 points in the Bundesliga with 12 points behind getting Europa football. Their last time outing ended in a 3-0 win, which boosted the side’s standings in the table. Mainz stopped the attacking threat of second-placed Borrusia Dortmund with a 2-0 win. Hence, Bayer Leverkusen should come prepared for a fight with the side.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Mainz 05 Head to Head
Both sides have 25 games between them with Bayer Leverkusen taking home 13 wins against the eight wins held by Mainz. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Mainz 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Mainz 1-5 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Mainz
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Mainz
Mainz 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Mainz
Mainz 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen
Mainz 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Veteran winger Bellarabi continues on the sidelines while nursing from a hamstring injury. Another missing figure ahead of the clash is center back Dragovic, who is serving a yellow card suspension ahead of the clash.
Forward Volland made a comeback after months on the sidelines but is yet to seal a goal for the side. Sensation Kai Havertz continues to attract interest from across Europe. The future of the German international at the camp remains in doubt in case the side fails to get Champions League football
Mainz 05 Team News
The side will fly without the services of attacking midfielder Jean-Paul Boetius who will be serving a yellow card suspension. Injury woes at the camp include forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is recovering from a concussion.
Prediction and Odds
Bayer Leverkusen ends into the game as the favorites to win and get their control of the top four finish.
Bayer Leverkusen win
Goals Under 2.5
First Team to Score: Bayer Leverkusen
