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FSV Mainz vs. Bayer Leverkusen
This coming weekend, the German Bundesliga enters its 4th matchday. After the three games played so far, the first surprises are already emerging. On the one hand, there are Bayern, who somewhat surprisingly sweep through the league with elemental force. A negative example is RB Leipzig, who after three matchdays are clearly behind their own expectations with two points. Other teams whose start to the season was not so predictable are FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer Leverkusen.
Mainz have a convincing seven points on their account, which currently puts them in a Champions League place. On the other hand, the Werkself from Leverkusen is facing a historically bad league start with zero points and a goal difference of 1:6. Exactly these two clubs will meet on Saturday at 15:30. Find out which forecast and which three betting tips experts are giving here in our Mainz – Leverkusen tip.
Mainz – Leverkusen Info
– Date & Time: 27.08.2022, 15:30 Uhr
– Venue: MEWA-Arena, Mainz
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 4
– TV broadcast: Sky
Mainz Form & Balance Check
Mainz have been on a consistent upswing for about two years now. Since the signing of coach Bo Svensson, FSV has been slowly creeping towards becoming a genuine top team in German football. When he took over in the 2020/21 season, he spectacularly saved the 05ers from relegation with an impressive season-ending spurt. The following season, the Palatinate side enjoyed a rather quiet and carefree season, narrowly missing out on European business in the end.
This year, they have been completely convincing at the start of the season. After three games, Mainz have seven points, the second-best defence in the league and not a single defeat. And all this despite the fact that Jonny Burkardt, the star striker, was out injured in the first two games and two brutally strong centre-backs, captain Niakhate and sprint king St. Juste, have left the club.
Top scores everywhere
The 05ers are really convincing in virtually every discipline so far. Offensively, they have Onisiwo, the joint-best scorer in the league, in their ranks. In addition, they have scored the most headed goals and fired the most shots with their heads. They are also at the top of the league in terms of defence. Overall, they are the second best defensive team in the league, behind Bayern. In addition, they have not yet allowed a major chance in the Bundesliga games so far. Given the fact that Leverkusen have missed the most big chances in the league so far, Mainz’s defensive line will be looking forward to this duel.
Mainz facts & analysis
– Mainz in 4th place with 7 points.
– Onisiwo shared-best goalscorer in the league
– Mainz with the most headed goals and shots on goal per head
– Have yet to concede a major chance
– Second best defence in the league
Leverkusen form & balance check
The Werkself is currently experiencing one of its darkest hours. After three Bundesliga games, the normally attack-minded Leverkusen side are second to last in the table with just one goal and zero points. It has been a long time since they started so badly in the league. The last time such a faux pas happened was in the 2018/19 season, but what is the reason for that?
Not the general style of play, because the chances are there. For example, they deserved a win in their league opener against Dortmund, but they missed virtually every big chance. The statistics also show that they missed the most top-class chances in the league. Patrik Schick, in particular, has not yet arrived in the new season. The top scorer urgently needs a sense of achievement to end his goal curse. With his goals, Leverkusen can find their way back to their old strength.
Favourite opponent Mainz
As mentioned earlier, the last time Bayer went three games without a point in their league opener was in the 2018/19 season. However, redemption came on matchday four back then. Who was the opponent at that time? That’s right, FSV Mainz 05, and the Werkself always performs well against the Palatinate side. In the last nine Bundesliga duels, Bayer has only suffered one defeat. This means that there is still hope for all red and black fans.
Leverkusen facts & analysis
– Leverkusen without a point so far
– Only 1 goal scored
– Most big chances missed in the league
– Lost only 1 of last 9 duels with Mainz
Predicted line-up – last update on 25 August 2022
Bo Svensson’s team is working very well so far. Therefore, he doesn’t have much reason to make rotations. Jonathan Burkardt will be back in the starting eleven after his injury, as he was in Augsburg.
The situation is completely different for Gerardo Seoane. His Werkself doesn’t quite want to function yet. That’s why he has to change something. It’s conceivable that Paulinho and Demirbay could move into the starting eleven to breathe new life into the midfield. However, this is only speculation.
Mainz – Leverkusen direct comparison & statistics
As mentioned earlier, it seems that Mainz are Leverkusen’s favourite opponents. Of the last nine Bundesliga duels, the Werkself lost only one. That was the second leg last season, which went to Mainz with 3:2. Otherwise, Leverkusen’s record of 17 wins to 11 is still relatively legitimate. In addition, there are five draws.
– Mainz won only 1 of the last 9 duels.
– Most recent duel went to Mainz
– Overall record goes to Bayer
– The last time Leverkusen made such a false start, Mainz served as a build-up opponent on Matchday 4
