Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their recent purple patch, Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Mainz to the BayArena on Tuesday night.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have endured a stuttering start when opening proceedings back in August, Xabi Alonso’s side have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Last seen getting the New Year underway with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Borussia Dortmund, the defending champions have certainly hit top gear. Signing off 2024 with another dominant display as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp at home against Freiburg, the one-time Liverpool midfielder should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. With their recent purple patch highlighted by a 1-0 victory against Italian heavyweights Inter Milan last month, Leverkusen have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions. It should also be noted, Alonso’s side have suffered just a sole defeat since the end of August.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Still dealing with a thigh injury and not making a single appearance across any format since returning from November’s international break, Victor Boniface remains on the sidelines. Likewise, Morocco international Amine Adil is still suffering from a long-term ankle issue.
Shockingly forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Borussia Dortmund last weekend, Florian Wirtz should be handed a full recall on Tuesday night. Notching six goals in back-to-back Bundesliga appearances, Patrik Schick will lead the line here.
Mainz
As for the visitors, marking their return from Germany’s festive break with a 2-0 victory at home against Bochum, Mainz are riding a sensational wave of momentum. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits, the Carnival Club have already cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages. Signing off 2024 with a remarkable display as they stormed their way to a 3-1 romp away at Eintracht Frankfurt, Tuesday’s guests have their sights firmly set on clinching a famous European ticket this year. In fact, along with winning all of their last three Bundesliga appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2, Mainz have also registered 18 points from their previous seven showdowns. Despite being pencilled in as a landslide underdog this weekend, Bo Henriksen’s side have collected some heavyweight scalps this season.
Mainz Team News
Shown a straight red card against Eintracht Frankfurt prior to Germany’s festive break, former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri will miss out through suspension here. Croatian youngster Gabriel Vidovic is still sidelined with an ankle injury.
Marking his return from a minor knock with a brace against Bochum over the weekend, the red-hot Jonathan Burkardt will spearhead Hanriksen’s charge in the final third. Recording four goals in as many Bundesliga appearances, Paul Nebel will partner Burkardt in attack.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and Mainz last met back in February 2024, the defending champions collected a 2-1 victory at the BayArena.
- Leverkusen have collected nine points from their previous four Bundesliga showdowns against Tuesday’s guests.
- Mainz have remarkably collected 18 points from just their previous seven Bundesliga appearances.
- Alonso’s men have won all of their previous nine consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Bayer Leverkusen have recorded just a single clean sheet in their previous seven Bundesliga appearances.
Conclusion
While Bayer Leverkusen might open Tuesday’s showdown pencilled in as a standout contender, the defending champions should have a real challenge on their hands. Recording just a single Bundesliga clean sheet since the start of November, Alonso’s men will meet a Mainz squad who have continued to break a string of records. Mustering 18 points from their previous seven Bundesliga appearances, Tuesday’s guests are firmly battling it out in the Champions League chase. Two sides who find the respective moods in their camps at a red-hot high, we could be set for an enjoyable Bundesliga showdown from the BayArena in midweek.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
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