Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz Match Preview

Bayer Leverkusen is ranked in 9th place with 27 points and comes after three wins and two losses over the last five matches. It has not been a great season for them as they currently sit quite behind the European zone and come after a home 2-3 loss against Monaco in the UEFA Europa League which leaves them few hopes for advancing to the next stage.

With 33 goals scored so far they have shown a good offensive side and in the last five duels scored a total of eight goals averaging more than a goal per game while managing to find the back of the net in three of them. Even in the EL game, they displayed quality in attack but once again their leaky defense was the problem.

Diaby has been their best player this season in attack with 7 goals - 3 assists, but today he will sit this one out because of an injury picked up in the last game. The attacking duties tonight will go to Frimpong 5 goals - 4 assists, Demirbay 3 goals - 3 assists, and Hlozek 3 goals - 3 assists.

Mainz, on the other side, is ranked in 12th place with 26 points and comes in a decent run after two wins a draw, and two losses over the last five matches. They have a seven-point distance from the relegation zone but with many games left to be played, it is obviously not enough.

With 30 goals scored they have one of the best offensive sides from the bottom half teams and in the last five matches scored a total of 11 goals averaging at least two goals per game. They found the back of the net against top teams like Union Berlin and Dortmund. An advantage for them will be the fact that they managed to get more rest while their rivals played a difficult European game against Monaco.

Their best offensive player has been Onisiwo with 8 goals - 1 assist, followed by Lee Jae with 6 goals - 1 assist.

In conclusion, I think both teams can score at least a goal here. Bayer Leverkusen is going to miss their best striker and that is why the odds have been moving up on them but still, I think with the fact that they play in front of their fans they have good chances for this match. Mainz has got to try and attack more since they are well-rested and the rivals will have a big absence upfront making them be more balanced on the pitch.