Mainz vs. FC Bayern preview: Can the hosts trouble the Bavarians again?
| FC Bayern players celebrating. | Photo: Adam Pretty / Getty Images. |
Bayern Munich will look to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga when they travel to Mainz 05 on Saturday, with the league leaders facing a side desperate to end their recent slump.
The Bavarians head into the Matchday 9 encounter following a frustrating run of results, having drawn four of their last eight competitive fixtures. Their most recent Bundesliga draw came against Borussia Dortmund, when Bayern dominated proceedings but were denied victory by Fabio Silva's late equaliser in the 89th minute.
Despite their recent struggles to turn dominance into victories, Vincent Kompany's side remain favourites against a Mainz team that has lost four of its last five competitive matches. The hosts most recently suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against newly promoted SV Elversberg.
Saturday's encounter kicks off at 15:30 CET at the MEWA Arena.
Team news
Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks, who remains in charge during Vincent Kompany's absence, confirmed that Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović have returned to team training.
However, Musiala will not be available against Mainz, while Pavlović's involvement depends on how he responds physically. Manuel Neuer has also returned to training and is expected to feature.
Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry remain sidelined with hamstring injuries. Alphonso Davies could also be rested due to workload concerns, although a limited appearance remains an option.
Mainz, meanwhile, must cope without Stefan Posch and Phillipp Mwene, who are both suspended. Head coach Urs Fischer will therefore need to make defensive adjustments after his side conceded four goals against Elversberg.
Three Key insights
1. Mainz have enjoyed recent success against Bayern
Mainz have won four of their last six home Bundesliga meetings with Bayern. Their most recent encounter in April ended in a 4-3 victory for the Bavarians after Mainz had established a three-goal lead.
2. Bayern's remarkable away record
The visitors are unbeaten in their last 30 Bundesliga away matches, recording 22 wins and eight draws. Interestingly, their last away defeat came against Mainz in December 2024.
3. Mainz have attacking weapons
Eight of Mainz's 17 league goals this season have originated from their right flank, a Bundesliga-best figure. Anthony Caci has been particularly influential with three goals and three assists. Mainz have also scored five goals through substitutes this season, compared to Bayern's two.
Predicted lineups
Mainz 05 (3-5-2):
Zentner - Da Costa, Gruber, Potulski - Caci, Lee, Sano, Amiri, Widmer - Tietz, Becker
FC Bayern (4-2-3-1):
Neuer - Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Stanišić - Kimmich, Bischof - Olise, Karl, Brown - Kane
