FSV Mainz 05 vs Bayer Leverkusen — Tips & Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen -0.25: Mainz are a different team at home, and not in a good way. That is the case for backing Leverkusen. Mainz have no win from four games at the MEWA Arena, with one tie and three defeats. They score just over a goal a game there and let in more than 2. Their goalkeeper problem makes it harder. First choice keeper Robin Zentner is back in training but could not take part in goalkeeper drills. That leaves Alexander Schwolow set to start behind that back line. Leverkusen arrive in better shape. They score more than 2 goals a game and let in just over a goal. They won 2-0 at home to RB Leipzig, 2-0 against Celje and 4-0 against Union Berlin without letting one in. Patrik Schick, Nathan Tella and Martin Terrier are all set to come back into the squad this weekend. Leverkusen have made more chances than Mainz over the last five games, and they have given up fewer. The history helps as well, with Leverkusen winning 13 of the last 20 meetings between these clubs. A 1-2 is the likely read, an open game that Leverkusen edge, with Mainz scoring but coming up short. Here is the risk. Leverkusen's away form has been patchy. They lost 2-3 at Elversberg and tied 2-2 at Augsburg, and they let in almost 2 goals a game on the road. Mainz are also getting Nebel and Widmer back in training. We still think Leverkusen come out on top.