Mainz has been one of the biggest underperforming teams in the Bundesliga so far this season. Can the O5ers pull a performance out of the bag with in-form Bayer Leverkusen visiting on Saturday afternoon?
Mainz form guideBo Svensson’s team has just one point to show for their five outings in the Bundesliga this season. Their latest disappointing result came last time out, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at another struggler Augsburg.
The defeat saw yet another poor defensive display from the home team, conceding at least two goals for the fourth time in five games this season in the Bundesliga. The record doesn’t bode well when they are due to face one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the German top flight.
Mainz have a poor home record in the Bundesliga dating back to last season, as they are now winless in four home league games, having picked up just one draw and suffered three defeats.
Bayer Leverkusen form guideThe visitors have experienced a brilliant start to the new Bundesliga campaign compared to their hosts. In fact, Die Werkself are in second place in the Bundesliga table, only behind league leaders Bayern Munich, courtesy of an inferior goal difference.
Xabi Alonso’s team continued their relentless form in the Bundesliga last time out by hammering Heidenheim 4-1 at the BayArena, which was their fourth win from five league games this season. The victory means Bayer has scored at least two goals in all five Bundesliga outings this season.
If one facet of Bayer’s game needs to improve, then it is their away form, as Die Werkself have won just once in their previous six away games in the Bundesliga. On the flip side, they have also suffered just one defeat in the six-match run, having drawn four of the games.
What am I backing?Mainz has been woeful, while Bayer has sparkled this season. The bet I am backing is the away win, although it could easily have been over 2.5 goals scored, too.