Mainz host Bayer Leverkusen at MEWA Arena on Saturday, 10 October, with both sides level on seven points after four matches in the German championship.
The fifth-round fixture brings together two closely matched teams, although Bayer Leverkusen sit fifth in the table, one place above Mainz in sixth. Both clubs have won two of their opening four games, drawn once and lost once.
Mainz have scored 10 goals and conceded six, giving them a goal difference of +4. Their recent matches have generally produced plenty of goals, with the team finding the net in most of their games.
Bayer Leverkusen also have 10 goals to their name, but have conceded five to record a goal difference of +5. The visitors are averaging 2.5 goals per match this season.
Their recent results include convincing victories over Union Berlin and RB Leipzig. Bayer Leverkusen beat Union Berlin 4-0 before defeating RB Leipzig 2-0. However, those wins came alongside a 3-2 defeat by Elversberg and a 2-2 draw with Augsburg.
Match figures
Mainz have taken seven points from four matches and have won 50% of their games so far. Bayer Leverkusen have the same record, with seven points and victories in half of their fixtures.
The two teams have also produced identical attacking figures, scoring 10 goals apiece at an average of 2.5 per match. Bayer Leverkusen’s recent 4-0 success against Union Berlin and 2-0 win over RB Leipzig are the clearest indicators of their current attacking threat.
With both sides sharing the same number of points and victories, the contest is expected to be closely fought. Mainz’s scoring record suggests they should create opportunities at home, while Bayer Leverkusen’s stronger defensive record and recent wins against Union Berlin and RB Leipzig give them a narrow advantage.
The forecast is for an open and productive match, with the visitors edging the contest by the smallest margin.
Predicted score: Mainz 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen.
