Mainz 05 vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: 05ers desperate to escape early “crisis” | OneFootball

Mainz 05

It may still be early in the campaign, but Mainz already find themselves under pressure. With just one win from their opening six Bundesliga fixtures, the 05ers sit 16th in the table and are struggling to find consistency. While their performances in cup competitions have offered some respite, sporting director Niko Bungert has admitted the team is in “a crisis - but only a small one.”

The international break arrived at a crucial time for Bo Henriksen’s side, who went into it off the back of a demoralising 4-0 defeat at HSV. That result came just days after a midweek trip to Nicosia, and fatigue looked evident from the start as Mainz found themselves 2-0 down inside ten minutes. Henriksen took full responsibility, admitting: “We weren’t ready, and that’s my fault.”

Following the defeat, a full team meeting was reportedly held in the dressing room - with coaches and players openly voicing their thoughts in what Bungert described as a “constructive discussion.” The hope now is that the break has allowed time to reset and refocus ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

Henriksen will also be eager to put an end to some unwanted records of his own. He has yet to beat Leverkusen in three attempts and has managed just one win in eight meetings with his opposite number - and compatriot - Kasper Hjulmand. Saturday offers the chance to change that narrative.

Team news:

Bo Henriksen will have most of the squad at his disposal this weekend, with only Robin Zentner (suspended), Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal missing.

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen, meanwhile, are enjoying a promising spell under Hjulmand. Since the Dane took charge, Die Werkself have gone six games unbeaten (W3, D3), climbing to fifth in the table - just one point off the Champions League places. The trip to Mainz will also mark Hjulmand’s first return to the Mewa Arena since his departure in 2015.

Before the break, Leverkusen produced a professional 2-0 win over Union Berlin, with Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane on target. Hjulmand’s men controlled the contest from start to finish, boasting 74% possession and limiting Union to minimal chances - another sign of the team’s growing cohesion and confidence.

With seven games to come in just 21 days across all competitions, momentum will be vital. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Hjulmand emphasised focus and continuity:“We’ve taken confidence from our recent performances and want to keep developing our style of play.” Before adding: “This next block of games is hugely important - but our focus is only on the next one.”

Leverkusen’s record in Mainz also makes for positive reading: they’ve lost only once in their last five visits, and just twice across the last ten meetings between the clubs - a run Hjulmand will be keen to extend.

Team news:

Exequiel Palacios and Axel Tape are ruled out. Jarell Quansah (knee) and Patrick Schick (thigh) are both major doubts, while Lucas Vázquez received treatment for a muscular issue during the break. Martin Terrier could make his return with a spot on the bench.

Predicted lineups

Mainz 05 (3-4-2-1): Rieß (GK) - da Costa, Hanche-Olsen, Kohr - Nordin, Sano, Amiri, Mwene - Nebel, Hollerbach - Sieb

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Flekken (GK) - Badé, Andrich, Tapsoba - Arthur, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo - Tillman, Maza - Kofane