Leverkusen deserves credit for putting up a strong showing against Mainz, who are vying for a Champions League spot. They accrued nearly two expected goals (xG), took 12 shots from within the penalty area, and restricted their opponents to only one big chance.

The win was just the second time that the victors have kept a clean sheet in their last eight Bundesliga matches, but it was the 11th consecutive game in all competitions in which they found the back of the net.

Alonso's side rank as the division's second best offensive and fourth best defensive team having scored 41 goals and conceded on 23 occasions in the top flight.

Die Schwarzroten have been close to flawless for nearly two months now considering they have achieved victory in each of their last 10 outings, emerging triumphant against Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund in that period.

The hosts' form at home has also been exceptional, with the club winning 10 and drawing two of their 12 most recent matches at BayArena.

Leverkusen emerged as 3-2 victors against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 23, though they did need Florian Wirtz to score a 101st-minute winner after squandering their 2-0 first-half lead.

The visitors were thoroughly outclassed by Wolfsburg in their most recent game, facing five big chances and nearly four xG, the majority of which was produced in the second half.

Though manager Gerardo Seoane will be disappointed by the defeat, he will still be pleased that his side are on track to tally 48 points, 14 more than they totalled last term.

Die Fohlen have a goal difference of zero after scoring 26 goals and conceding 26 times in the top flight, and these figures make them the second worst offensive and joint fifth worst defensive team in the top 11.

Borussia Monchengladbach have been beaten in their past two games, and though they did win their prior two matches, they have only won two of their last six outings.

The visitors' record on the road is concerning given they have won just two of their eight Bundesliga away fixtures – losing four and drawing two – and have in fact only triumphed in three of their last 22 away matches.

Leverkusen will not be able to select centre-back Jeanuel Belocian until September due to a cruciate ligament injury, while Jonathan Tah is a doubt because of illness.

If Tah is not ready to return, then Nordi Mukiele is likely to join Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie in a back three.

Given that forwards Amine Adli and Victor Boniface will be unavailable until February, Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz are likely to support striker Patrik Schick.

Borussia Monchengladbach has only one injury - related absentee, which is winger Franck Honorat. However, he is set to return later this month.

It is expected that Alassane Plea and Robin Hack will play on either side of striker Tim Kleindienst. Kleindienst is likely to re - enter the starting eleven, replacing Tomas Cvancara.

Centre - backs Ko Itakura and Nico Elvedi are nearly certain to start in the defensive line, with a double pivot consisting of Rocco Reitz and Julian Weigl in front of them.



Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Mukiele, Tapsoba, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Schick

Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:

Nicolas; Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Netz; Reitz, Weigl; Plea, Stoger, Hack; Kleindienst