Mainz vs Leverkusen Prediction for 18 October 2025 - Football

🔊 Can Mainz manage to secure points against Bayer at the Mewa Arena? In their last three home games, the '05ers have suffered three defeats and are far from their form of last year. Leverkusen arrive on an unbeaten streak, yet they are considered only slight favorites. Here's our editorial team's prediction.

Head-to-Head

📊 Over the past 35 matches, Mainz have claimed victory 10 times, while Bayer have won 19. Six encounters ended in a draw. In the first round of last season, Leverkusen defeated Mainz 1-0 at home, and at the "Mewa Arena," the clubs played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Mainz Team Overview

🔴 Bo Henriksen's squad returned from Hamburg with a heavy defeat (0-4). The "05ers" conceded two goals in each half and looked utterly toothless up front. This significant loss to a newcomer has pushed Mainz into the relegation zone – 16th place with just 4 points. Additionally, the team faces serious scoring issues: only 5 goals in 6 matches (the same tally as Borussia Mönchengladbach) – with only bottom-placed Heidenheim scoring fewer. All of Mainz's points have been earned away from home, as they've lost all three of their home games. Moreover, they have yet to find the back of the net at the "Mewa Arena" in this Bundesliga campaign. The coaching staff needs to pull the team out of this crisis swiftly to prevent management from contemplating a change in direction.

Bayer Leverkusen Team Overview

⚪ The "Pharmacists" have found their rhythm, underscoring it with a victory in their last home match against Union Berlin (2-0). The hosts took the lead through an Ernest Poku goal, assisted by Lucas Vazquez, and early in the second half, Christian Kofane capitalized on a goalkeeper error to secure the win. This marked the team's first clean sheet victory of the current campaign. Leverkusen currently sit in 5th place and could break into the top 3 with a win in Mainz. Kasper Hjulmand remains unbeaten at the helm of Bayer, with the team enjoying a 7-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, including the Champions League. The "Pharmacists" have not lost to Mainz at the "Mewa Arena" for the past two seasons and are unbeaten in their last four encounters overall. They are heading into this match aiming for another three points. So far, Bayer have not lost any away games this season across all competitions.

Latest news

Mainz

🎙️ Bo Henriksen ahead of the clash with Bayer: "We've certainly analyzed the match against Hamburg. The international break was crucial for mental and physical recovery because we have a busy competitive schedule ahead. The most important thing for us is that we need to collect points. We're not entirely satisfied with our performances. Although we're creating plenty of good chances in the box, we need to take that final step and score goals. I'm pleased with the attitude and strength the team is showing, but of course, we need to keep improving. Wins provide valuable experience—if we start winning and believing in ourselves, those emotions will become regular. There's definitely some pressure on us in the league—that's clear. We didn't start well, unlike in the Conference League and the Cup. However, we're close to finding the key."

❌ First-choice goalkeeper Robin Zentner will miss the game due to suspension. Anthony Caci and Maxim Leitsch are sidelined with injuries. Maxim Leitsch is doubtful due to a cold. Stefan Bell returns to the squad.

Bayer Leverkusen

👏 A bronze statue of Christoph Daum was ceremoniously unveiled in front of the BayArena. Bayer paid tribute to the man who shaped and inspired the club like no other, guiding them to the pinnacle of German football over many years. Daum took the helm at Bayer in the 1990s and transformed the team into serious Bundesliga title contenders. Under his leadership, Bayer not only played successfully but also showcased an entertaining brand of football characterized by attacking flair, tactical discipline, and unwavering team belief. His personality, marked by passion, discipline, and charisma, made him one of the most prominent figures in the history of German football.

📝 Bayer have extended the contract of Argentine Ezequiel Palacios ahead of schedule. The previous deal was set to expire in the summer of 2028, but the new agreement runs until June 30, 2030.

❌ Axel Tapsoba suffered a hamstring tendon injury during the Champions League match against PSV. He is expected to return to action in November. Martin Terrier and Ezequiel Palacios continue their recovery. Nathan Tella, Lucas Vazquez, Patrik Schick, and Malik Tillman remain doubtful for the upcoming away fixture.

🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards

🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards

The main referee for the match is Florian Exner, who averages 6.4 yellow cards per game—a notably high figure. The average total of cautions in the teams' head-to-head encounters stands at 4.14. Considering the German's strictness and past match statistics, our pick is: over 3.5 yellow cards. This outcome has occurred in the last 8 consecutive head-to-head meetings.

⚽ Goal Prediction

The hosts are struggling not only with results but also with finishing. The visitors, however, are in good form, prompting us to take a high odds bet on Bayer's team total over 1.5 goals, which has hit in 6 away games for Leverkusen and in 6 of the last 7 head-to-head matches between these opponents.

🚩 Corner Prediction

The "Nullfünfers" have a relatively high average of corners after 6 rounds—6.3 per match. The "Pharmacists" average 4.2. Based on Leverkusen's recent away games, we choose the bet: Bayer's team total under 5.5 corners, which has been successful in 7 of their last 8 away matches.

The clash between these two Danish tacticians promises to be intriguing. Bayer's newly appointed coach remains unbeaten, unlike the more seasoned Bo Henriksen. Although Mainz have yet to score or earn a point in the current Bundesliga campaign at the "Mewa Arena," a victory for Kasper Hjulmand's side is far from assured—bookmakers seem to agree on this uncertainty. We anticipate a high-scoring affair, similar to their encounter last season (2-2). Our prediction: over 2.5 goals, a trend seen in six of the last seven head-to-head meetings and in Bayer's last six away games. We believe Leverkusen will extend their successful run and secure a win with a scoreline of 2-1.