Mainz 05 before a negative record: Can Leverkusen increase the pressure?

Mainz 05 before a negative record: Can Leverkusen increase the pressure?

The duel between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 promises to be an exciting encounter. After the international break, Leverkusen will not compete with Mainz on Friday evening as usual, but on another day. And while the Leverkusen team is looking forward to an impressive series, Mainz is facing some challenges.

What is interesting is that Bayer 04 have not lost an away game in Mainz since 2022. The last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw, in which Patrik Schick shone and scored a brace. Kasper Hjulmand, the Leverkusen coach, has a special connection to Mainz, having worked there from July 2014 to February 2015. In these 21 Bundesliga games he achieved four wins, ten draws and seven defeats.

One record follows the next

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is not only in strong form with 36 away games without defeat, but also holds a Bundesliga record. In addition, Robert Andrich has not lost in his last 37 away games; with another unbeaten game he could set a new record. So it quickly becomes clear that the guests are in high demand, especially since they have already scored half of their goals this season (six out of 12) from set pieces, more than any other team in the Bundesliga.

But Leverkusen also have to contend with several injured players, including Palacios, Tape and probably Quansah and Schick. Leverkusen's potential lineup could look like this: Flekken in goal, supported by Badé, Andrich and Tapsoba in defense, while Arthur, Fernandez, Garcia and Grimaldo could operate in midfield. Offensive players would be Tillman, Kofane and Poku.

The challenge for Mainz

In contrast, Mainz 05 have not won in eight Bundesliga home games across the seasons. Another game without a win would be tantamount to setting a negative record from the 2020/21 season. To date, Mainz have not scored a home goal this season - a situation that they are desperate to avoid. The last home goals came from the 2-2 draw against Leverkusen last season.

With an injury-related absence of Caci and Dal as well as Zentner's red-card suspension, coach Bo Henriksen faces a major challenge. Widner is also questionable, which means Nordin or Veratschnig could potentially be the defensive option. Mainz's possible line-up would include Rieß in goal, Costa, Hanche-Olsen and Kohr in defense as well as Nordin, Sano, Amiri, Mwene in midfield and Nebel, Hollerbach and Sieb in attack.

Both teams are facing a duel that is not only interesting from a sporting point of view, but also has a lot to offer the fans. While Leverkusen is well on its way to extending its winning streak, Mainz is struggling to break its negative trend. The starting position couldn't be more exciting.