Christof Koepsel
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
LEVERKUSEN  Leno Schwaab, Toprak, Friedrich, Kadlec Bender, Rolfes Castro, Ballack, Schurrle Derdiyok | MAINZ  Wetklo Popsech, Bungert, Noveski, Fathi Baumgartlinger, Polanski, Malli, Soto Choupo-Moting, Ujah |
Michael Ortega, Tranquillo Barnetta, Rene Adler and Renato Augusto all remain unavailable for Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt as they nurse their long term injuries, while Sidney Sam will miss the game with a hamstring problem. Gonzalo Castro is set to move forward to replace the 23-year-old on the right side of midfield, with Daniel Schwaab slotting in at the back.
Mainz's plight is not aided by their extensive injury list. Bo Svensson, Andreas Ivanschitz, Marcel Risse, Jan Kirchoff, Zoltan Stieber and Deniz Yilmaz have all been ruled out, while goalkeeper Heinz Muller will also be missing. Sami Allagui is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Leverkusen stars Andre Schurrle (right) and Manuel Friedrich both left Mainz for the
BayArena.
- Bayer Leverkusen have failed to score in their last two matches. The last time they had a three-match goalless run was in 2002-03.
- Robin Dutt's side have won just three of their eight home games in the Bundesliga this season.
- Mainz won this fixture last season 1-0, courtesy of an Andreas Ivanschitz goal.
- These two sides met on the opening day of the season, and Mainz triumphed 2-0.
- Mainz have 26 points going into the second round. Eintracht Frankfurt were relegated with the same number of points, while Wolfsburg went on to win the league from that figure.
Not only are Bayer Leverkusen ostensibly stronger than Mainz, but they have home advantage and a slimmer injury list. The visitors have too many key players out to mount a serious challenge against Robin Dutt's men, who should run out easy victors at the BayArena.
Editor's Prediction
Leverkusen 3-0 Mainz 
