Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Bundesliga, 2025

Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview

Tournament: Bundesliga

Date: Saturday, 17 May

Kick-Off Time: 01:30 PM GMT

Venue: Mewa Arena

After receiving a warm farewell at the BayArena, manager Xabi Alonso will be in charge for his final game as a coach of Bayer Leverkusen when they travel to the Mewa Arena on Saturday to play Mainz, which will be the final game of the Bundesliga.

There is nothing left in the German league, as Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich has already been crowned the champions with 79 points from 33 games, where English forward Harry Kane lifted his first major trophy of his career. Mainz will be the side in the game who has a task to make it to the Europa League qualification spot, as they sit one point behind Borussia Dortmund at sixth with 51 points. Out of the 33 games, they have won 14, drawn 9, and lost 10. They come into this game after a convincing 1-4 victory against Bochum last week.

This season, Mainz has embraced a dynamic, high-energy style under Bo Henriksen, emphasising an aggressive pressing method that thwarts opponents' build-up tactics. They can take advantage of defensive lapses thanks to their quick attacking transitions, which frequently avoid the midfield by sending long balls straight to their target striker, Jonathan Burkardt. But Mainz has had trouble being consistent defensively, especially when facing clubs that quickly counterattack their relentless pressing. Another issue has been injuries, as important players like Maxim Dal and Dominik Kohr have been out. They are susceptible to opponents that hold the ball because their midfield occasionally loses control in possession-heavy games.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen have secured the second position in the league after their heroic title-winning season in 2023. Alonso will be hoping to leave the club on a winning note after his side lost 2-4 at home against Borussia Dortmund. This season, Bayer Leverkusen, headed by Xabi Alonso, has maintained a tactically flexible style that prioritises organised build-up play and controlled possession. They are hard to break down because of their relentless pressing and high backline, and one of their main advantages has been their speedy transitions. In Alonso's system, players like Florian Wirtz and Alejandro Grimaldo have flourished and made significant contributions to their attacking fluidity. Leverkusen has suffered from defensive mistakes, especially when facing clubs that quickly counterattack and take advantage of their high line. Concerns have also been raised by their recent inconsistent performance, as they were unable to sustain their domination in important games.

Mainz Team News

Bo Henrikson will mostly have a fit squad at his disposal to play against Leverkusen. He will be without the services of defenders Dominik Kohr and Moritz Jenz. The fans will expect goals from the front three of Burkardt, Lee, and Nebel. The trio share 33 goals among them in the league, with Burkardt leading them with 17 goals.

Bayer Leverkusen Team News

Dependable players Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie are available, while Bayer Leverkusen defenders Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, and Nordi Mukiele are out. Florian Wirtz, a forward, is expected to make an appearance and might play in attack with Patrik Schick and Emiliano Buendía.

Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineups

Mainz Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Riess

Defenders: da Costa, Bell, Hanche-Olsen

Midfielders: Caci, Amiri, Sano, Mwene

Attackers: Lee, Burkardt, Nebel

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Kovar

Defenders: Hincapie, Tah, Tapsoba

Midfielders: Grimaldo, Xhaka, Garcia, Frimpong

Forwards: Buendia, Schick, Wirtz

Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have played each other 29 times in the recent past. Out of which, Mainz has won nine times, Leverkusen has emerged victorious 17 times, and three games ended in a draw.

Key Players to Watch Out in Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen

Jonathan Burkardt (Mainz)

His dribbling skill and aggressive mobility are still vital to Mainz's offensive play, even if he has struggled to score goals consistently this season. Burkardt is a constant danger in transition and is one of the best Bundesliga attackers at penetrating carries and touches inside the opponent's box. He has scored 17 goals and registered two assists in the Bundesliga.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Apart from Alonso, this game could be the last for the German playmaker, as there have been reports of him moving away from the club at the end of the season, as Bayern Munich remain in pole position to get his signature.

He is a continual danger because of his vision, dribbling, and defence-unlocking skills, particularly in confined areas. Leverkusen's forward transitions have benefited greatly from Wirtz, who often collaborates with Alejandro Grimaldo and Victor Boniface to generate scoring opportunities.

He is one of the most successful playmakers in the Bundesliga because of his ability to outplay the opposition and produce accurate last passes.

Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction

Florian Wirtz's offensive prowess should give Leverkusen the advantage, but Mainz's pressure and fast transitions may make it a close contest. Anticipate a tight game in which Leverkusen wins by a slim margin.

Predicted Score: Mainz 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen

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