Bayern vs. Mainz preview: Can the 05ers shock the Bavarians?
Coming off a massive midweek win over Lazio, Bayern stay home to face Mainz, who are looking far improved under new trainer Bo Henriksen.
Bayern
After a disappointing result in the league to Freiburg, Bayern bounced back with a much-needed midweek win over Lazio. Their sights seem more focused on the Champions League at this point, but Bayern must key in on a testy Mainz side this Saturday.
There aren’t expected to be many rotations, as Bayern play lowly Darmstadt next weekend before the international break. Konrad Laimer has a good chance to start at right-back with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka potentially back playing together in midfield once again.
On Friday, Thomas Tuchel said, "We haven't handed over the title. There's an area between giving up and a statement of intent - and that's called reality. The gap is very big. That's realistic. - Leverkusen no longer feel us breathing down their neck. We're to blame for that. But, that doesn't release us from our duty to give everything tomorrow."
Team News
Aleksander Pavlovic is suspended, while Tarek Buchmann, Bouna Sarr, Sacha Boey, Kingsley Coman and Noussair Mazraoui are out. Tuchel hinted in his presser that he expects Leroy Sane to start. The big news this week is that Mathys Tel signed a contract extension until 2029.
Mainz
Mainz drew to Gladbach last weekend and have now gone back-to-back games with a red card received. They still remain in 17th-place, but are slowly moving closer to overtaking relegation-rival Köln in the table.
Ludovic Ajorque looks to have lost a role in the side, as Jonathan Burkhardt, Lee Jae-Sung and Brajan Gruda should continue up front. Mainz have lost in each of their last six trips to the Allianz Arena.
Bo Henriksen said, "We know that we can cause Bayern problems. You could see against Leverkusen that we can also cause big teams problems. - I believe in my team and they believe in themselves."
Team News
Nelson Weiper, Stefan Bell and Andreas Hanche-Olsen are out. Jessic Ngankam, Dominik Kohr and Leandro Barreiro are unavailable due to suspension.