Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen, who were unbeaten last season but have regressed a little this year, have struck upon some renewed good form as Xabi Alonso’s side prepare to face an overachieving Mainz side in the Bundesliga this week.

Kick-off date/time: Wednesday 14th January, 2025: UK – 7:30pm / US ET – 2:30pm / US PT – 11:30am

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – Some matches will be televised on ESPN channels so it is worth checking their schedules

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+

Bayer Leverkusen Team News: Xabi’s rotation

Xabi Alonso often rotates his side when games come in quick succession so that is expected to be the case, albeit Patrik Schick should keep his place after another brace at the weekend.

His fellow striker, Victor Boniface, remains sidelined through injury alongside attacking midfielder Amine Adli and summer signing in defence, Jeanuel Belocian for this one.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba, Piero Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo; Schick, Tella

Unavailable: Belocian (Injured), Adli (Injured), Boniface (Injured)

Questionable: 

Mainz Team News: Burkardt fit

Jonathan Burkardt had been a doubt for the weekend but he scored his 11th and 12th goals of the Bundesliga season instead and he is set to be available for this one this weekend, too.

Mainz do remain without key midfielder Nadiem Amiri due to suspension, whilst the likes of Maxim Dal, Paul Nebel and Gabriel Vidovic are all sidelined through injury.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Zentner; Da Costa, Bell, Jenz; Caci, Sano, Kohr, Mwene; Sieb, Lee; Burkardt

Unavailable: Dal (Injured), Nebel (Injured), Amiri (Suspended), Vidovic (Injured)

Questionable: 

Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen, for the first time since Xabi Alonso’s first half a season in charge, switched system and went for a back four at the weekend as they tore through Borussia Dortmund and raced into a 3-1 lead at the weekend. They are expected to remain that way as they welcome a Mainz side that are looking at unlikely European qualification this season and with in-form Burkardt, they will fancy their chances of hurting a leaky Leverkusen back-line, albeit they are without key men such Amiri and Nebel. Leverkusen are favourites, especially at home, but it could well be quite a fun watch for the neutral. 

Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz Tip: Bayer Leverkusen to win & both teams to score