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Explore Bwin's detailed preview for FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:30 BST match.
Fixture: FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
Kick-off: 14:30 BST
Venue: Mewa Arena
Match Prediction: FSV Mainz 05 1-3 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
FSV Mainz 05's recent form has been inconsistent, with heavy losses to Hamburger SV and Borussia Dortmund, but a convincing win against FC Augsburg. This suggests a team capable of high-scoring games but vulnerable to strong opposition.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have been more consistent, securing wins against FC Union Berlin and St. Pauli, and drawing against tough teams like Borussia Mönchengladbach. Leverkusen's ability to score and defend effectively could pose significant challenges for Mainz, particularly given Mainz's recent defensive struggles.
The match could see Leverkusen exploit Mainz's defensive frailties, especially after Mainz suffered recent losses of 0-4 and 0-2. Leverkusen's recent results indicate a team in good form, capable of maintaining pressure throughout the game.
Mainz might look to capitalise on their home advantage and the scoring prowess shown in their win against Augsburg, but their inconsistent form suggests they will struggle to contain Leverkusen's attack.
FSV Mainz 05 have had a turbulent run recently, with three losses in their last five Bundesliga games, including heavy defeats against Hamburger SV and Borussia Dortmund.
Their only win came against FC Augsburg, where they scored four goals, indicating potential in attack but also highlighting defensive issues. This inconsistency could impact their performance against Leverkusen, as they will need to shore up their defence to have any chance of a positive result.
Recent Bundesliga Results:
Loss: 0-4 vs Hamburger SV (A)
Loss: 0-2 vs Borussia Dortmund (H)
Win: 4-1 vs FC Augsburg (A)
Loss: 0-1 vs RB Leipzig (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs VfL Wolfsburg (A)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have shown strong form, winning three of their last five league matches and drawing the other two. Their ability to score consistently, as seen in victories against FC Union Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, suggests they are well-positioned to challenge Mainz's defence.
Leverkusen's recent performances indicate they are likely to maintain their momentum and pose a significant threat to Mainz.
Recent Bundesliga Results:
The head-to-head record between FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen shows a competitive rivalry, with Leverkusen winning three of the last five encounters and Mainz securing one victory.
The most recent match ended in a 2-2 draw, indicating a closely contested game. Leverkusen's recent dominance, with three wins in the last five meetings, suggests they have the upper hand going into this match.
FSV Mainz 05 2-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (17 May 2025)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 FSV Mainz 05 (14 Jan 2025)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-1 FSV Mainz 05 (23 Feb 2024)
FSV Mainz 05 0-3 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (30 Sep 2023)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-3 FSV Mainz 05 (19 Feb 2023)
Alejo Sarco (International Duty) - Out
Patrick Schick (Hamstring) - Out
Exequiel Palacios (Groin) - Out
Axel Tape (Hamstring) - Out
Robert Andrich (Groin) - Doubt
Nathan Tella (Knee) - Doubt
Martin Terrier (Achilles) - Doubt
Alejandro Grimaldo (Head) - Doubt
Predicted lineup: Rieß, Costa, Hanche-Olsen, Kohr, Nordin, Sano, Amiri, Mwene, Nebel, Lee, Sieb
With goalkeeper Robin Zentner suspended, Mainz will need to rely on their predicted lineup to bolster their defensive solidity, particularly through the experience of Andreas Hanche-Olsen. The combination of Nordin and Amiri will be crucial in controlling the game's tempo and supporting the attack.
Predicted lineup: Flekken, Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba, Lucas Vázquez, García, Fernández, Belocian, Tillman, Poku, Kofane
Leverkusen's predicted lineup suggests a balanced approach, with Quansah, Badé and Tapsoba providing defensive solidity, while Tillman and Vázquez offer creativity and goal-scoring threat in midfield. This combination could prove decisive in breaking down Mainz's defence.
Sieb vs Tapsoba: Sieb's forward runs will be tested by Tapsoba's defensive discipline and positioning.
Amiri vs. García: Amiri’s midfield creativity will face a stern challenge from García’s tactical awareness and ball-winning ability.
Andreas Hanche-Olsen (FSV Mainz 05): Hanche-Olsen's defensive experience will be vital for Mainz, especially with Zentner's suspension.
Malik Tillman (Bayer 04 Leverkusen): Tillman's ability to create and score goals makes him a pivotal player for Leverkusen's attacking strategy.
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