FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen
Mainz’s long shot bid for a spot in Europe is about to face its biggest obstacle yet when they’ll host Bayer Leverkusen this Friday at the MEWA Arena.
The hosts are currently ninth in the Bundesliga standings with 31 points but there’s a logjam from fourth all the way to ninth. As of this writing, RB Leipzig are at fourth with 34 points – which is level to the likes of fifth-placed Hoffenheim, sixth-placed SC Freiburg, and seventh-placed Union Berlin. Koln are at eighth with 32.
So three points is all the difference from where they’re at right now to an improbable Champions League berth, making this game a must-win.
But it’ll be easier said than done since Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as one of the hottest teams in German top-flight today. Die Werkself stayed unbeaten so far in their first five matches in 2022 and they’re keen in adding more points across the board.
Despite Leverkusen’s red-hot form, though, the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds expect them to have another tight encounter against Mainz.
Talking Points
Mainz vying for an European berth
The 05ers are keen to get back to their early-season form where they were contending for a Top 4 spot in the standings. They did fall off since then, but generally speaking, they’re doing well under new coach Bo Svensson.
Mainz have blown hot and cold all throughout this season, but they’ve been playing well recently as they’ve secured four points in a win over Hoffenheim and a draw against SC Freiburg last matchday.
They are a side not to be overlooked since they have capable scorers in their lineup. Jonathan Burkardt is their leading scorer with seven goals while Lee Jae-Sung and Karim Onisiwo have accounted for seven goals and nine assists so far.
Burkardt’s psyche is the x-factor for Mainz since he has gone scoreless in their last eight matches. But overall, the 21-year-old has shown steady improvement in these past few seasons, which has put him on the radar among some European clubs.
After this weekend, Bo Svensson’s side have important games against Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, which may help determine their fate this season.
Bayer Leverkusen building momentum ahead of blockbuster clash
Die Werkself will be aiming to gather steam in their bid to make it to the Top 2. After this game, Leverkusen are scheduled to take on a relegation-threatened side in Arminia Bielefeld before taking on league leaders Bayern Munich.
Mainz’s backline is in for a long night since stopping Bayer Leverkusen’s free-scoring ways is quite a difficult task. Gerardo Seoane’s men have scored 14 goals in their last three games.
If there’s one thing to nitpick about Bayer Leverkusen’s recent performances, it’s their porous defence which has conceded five goals in their last three games.
The return of fit-again Jonathan Tah would surely address such concern since he’ll get to link up with Edmond Tapsoba anew at the back. Meanwhile, young Ecuadorian star Piero Hincapie is expected to fill in for Mitchel Bakker, who’ll sit out this game due to suspension.
History
Mainz’s recent experiences against Bayer Leverkusen have been painful as they’ve lost seven in their last eight meetings (L7, D1) – which is their longest ongoing winless run against a Bundesliga opponent.
And recent form favours Bayer Leverkusen since they’ve gone four straight Bundesliga wins for the first time under Gerardo Seoane (W4, D1) – which is their best start to the second half of a Bundesliga campaign.
The 05ers, though, have won each of their last four Bundesliga home games – which is the longest active home streak in the Bundesliga. Should they win on Friday, they’ll be able to match their record of five straight back in the 2009/10 season when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge.
Their reverse fixture took place last September where Die Werkself came away with a 1-0 victory as Florian Wirtz scored the marginal goal two minutes after the hour mark.
Betting Tip
 |
 | FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.97 |
| February 19, 03:30 (GMT+8) |
As mentioned, the Bundesliga 2022 odds anticipate another close match between these two sides. Bayer Leverkusen have the slight edge at 2.28, while a win for Mainz is priced at 2.79 and chances for a draw are at 3.70 in the 1X2 market.
Expect this to be another highly-competitive affair where football fans are to be treated a healthy dose of Bundesliga 2022 highlights.
Assuming Mainz can replicate their recent performances, they’re more than capable of punching in a goal or two against Bayer Leverkusen. However, that won’t be enough to nullify the visitors’ potent firepower.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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