The hosts comfortably defeated VfL Bochum 4-1 on May 10, thanks to a strong second-half performance, where they scored three goals, created three big chances, and prevented Bochum from generating any big chances.

This victory marked Mainz's first win in eight games, following three defeats and four draws that ended their Champions League qualification hopes.

Mainz could still qualify for the Europa League, as they trail fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund by just three points, but they would need Dortmund to lose against relegated Holstein Kiel and Mainz to overcome a five-goal difference deficit.

Manager Bo Henriksen is concerned about his team's defensive struggles, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 matches and conceding 15 goals in their past eight.

While Mainz have drawn their four most recent home games, they previously won six of their seven matches at Mewa Arena.

Leverkusen took an early lead against Borussia Dortmund in the 30th minute but conceded an equalizer two minutes later; manager Xabi Alonso will question his defense and goalkeeper for allowing four goals despite facing only 1.16 xG.

In fact, Leverkusen have conceded more goals in their last two games (six) than in their previous six (four).

Alonso, who has announced his departure in the summer, aims to end his tenure with a win, even though his team has already secured second place.

Leverkusen won their previous Bundesliga meeting against Mainz on January 14 by a 1-0 score, courtesy of Alejandro Grimaldo's goal, marking their fourth win in five games against Mainz.

Leverkusen enter this match in mixed form, having drawn three of their last five top-flight games and suffered one defeat.

The team has drawn their two most recent away matches, with two wins and two losses in their four prior road games.

Mainz hopes that injuries to center-backs Dominik Kohr and Moritz Jenz will not impact them on Saturday, with goalkeeper Robin Zentner also ruled out.

Danny da Costa, Stefan Bell, and Andreas Hanche-Olsen could form a back three in front of shot-stopper Lasse Riess.

Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri may start in a double pivot behind attackers Paul Nebel, Jae-sung Lee, and Jonathan Burkardt.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen defenders Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, and Nordi Mukiele are out, so Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie are likely to feature.

Wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, linked with a move to Liverpool, will aim for a strong performance in what might be his final game for the club.

Attacker Florian Wirtz, also rumored to leave, is expected to start alongside Emiliano Buendia and Patrik Schick, with forward Martin Terrier sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Riess; Da Costa, Bell, Hanche-Olsen; Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Burkardt

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Buendia; Schick