Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bundesliga
Saturday
30th September 2023
Coface Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 6 of the Bundesliga fixture between Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen.
Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen: Preview
Mainz form analysis
Die Nullfünfer had a disappointing 1-4 home loss to Union Berlin, with only Caci’s late strike in response to a Behrens hat-trick. They did better in a 1-1 home draw against Frankfurt thanks to Lee’s goal.
However, Mainz were then hammered 0-4 at home by Werder Bremen in a poor display. Defensive issues persisted in a 1-3 home loss to Stuttgart, Guirassy netting a hat-trick to down Mainz. Most recently, Mainz suffered a fourth straight league loss, beaten 1-2 away at Augsburg.
Overall, it’s been a very poor start to the season for Mainz as they really struggle defensively. They’ve conceded 13 goals already, keeping just one clean sheet. New striker Ajorque has added a goal threat, but their openness at the back is a major worry.
Avoiding thrashings like against Union and Werder is essential now for confidence. If Bo Svensson can make Mainz harder to beat, they have enough quality in attack to turn things around. But tightening up defensively is an absolute must after this awful run.
Bayer Leverkusen form analysis
Leverkusen registered an excellent 3-2 home win over RB Leipzig thanks to goals from Frimpong, Tah and new signing Wirtz. They followed that up with a dominant 3-0 away victory at Gladbach, with Boniface netting twice on his debut. However, defensive issues surfaced in a thrilling 5-1 home win over Darmstadt, despite another Boniface brace.
Leverkusen then drew 2-2 at Bayern, equalizing late through Palacios’ penalty after going behind twice. Most recently, Leverkusen earned a 4-1 home win over Heidenheim in the cup, with Boniface again impressing.
Overall, Leverkusen have showcased their attacking potential under new manager Xabi Alonso, scoring 13 goals in their first 4 league games. Summer signings like Boniface and Wirtz have added real quality in attack. However, there have been some defensive concerns, conceding 5 goals during the wins over Leipzig and Darmstadt.
If Alonso can make Leverkusen more solid at the back, their exciting attacking talents could make them real title challengers this term after last season’s disappointment.
