Verdict: Bayern Munich win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Bundesliga table, Bayern Munich will travel to Mainz on Saturday afternoon.
Mainz
Starting with the hosts, although Mainz might have eventually fallen to an action-packed 4-3 loss away at Wolfsburg last weekend, the Carnival Club should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Heading into November’s international break with a sensational 3-1 win against Borussia Dortmund, Bo Henriksen’s men have collected nine points from their previous four Bundesliga appearances. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a routine 3-0 romp away at Kiel, the former Zurich boss will be excited by his side’s recent performances in the final third. In fact, Mainz have recorded 11 goals since returning from the international break. Likewise, registering back-to-back victories at the MEWA Arena for the first time this season, Henriksen’s camp will be looking to collect a heavyweight scalp on Saturday afternoon.
Mainz Team News
Picking up an ankle injury while away with Croatia’s U21s during November’s fortnight break, 21-year-old Gabriel Vidovic remains on the sidelines. Likewise, limping off against Wolfsburg last weekend, former Eintracht Frankfurt defender Danny da Costa is not expected to feature here.
Continuing on what has been a real flurry over the past month and now notching five goals in his previous four Bundesliga appearances, Jonathan Burkardt will be looking to extend on his tally. Completing a permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, Nadiem Amiri will start in the middle of the park.
Bayern Munich
As for the visitors, while Bayern Munich might have suffered DFP Pokal frustration against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the week, the German giants have continued on a sensational rise since Vincent Kompany’s arrival over the summer. Storming their way to what was a routine 5-1 romp against Shakhtar, the former Burnley boss will be calling on a repeat performance here. Getting Saturday’s showdown underway on Saturday afternoon holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the table, Bayern have won their back-to-back appearances over the past week by an aggregate score of 9-3. Looking to make another statement here, Kompany’s side have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 11 straight outings across all competitions. It should also be noted, Bayern have claimed 13 points from their last five matchups away from the Allianz.
Bayern Munich Team News
Once again missing out against Shakhtar earlier in the week, England skipper Harry Kane will not feature on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, the likes of Kingsley Coman, Joao Palhinha, Serge Gnabry and number one goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Bagging a Champions League brace in midweek and continuing to shine since arriving from Crystal Palace over the summer, Michael Olise will play a leading role in the final third. Returning from a muscle injury last month, Sacha Boey could be handed a full return at right-back.
Mainz vs Bayern Munich Key Factors to Consider
- When Mainz and Bayern Munich last met back on October 30th for a DFP Pokal showdown, Kompany’s side collected a 4-0 romp at the MEWA Arena.
- Bayern have won each of their previous three meetings against Saturday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 15-2.
- The German giants have collected 13 points from their previous five showdowns away from the Allianz.
- Despite their 4-3 loss against Wolfsburg last weekend, Mainz have registered nine points from their last four Bundesliga appearances.
- Three of Mainz’s last four showdowns at the MEWA Arena have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Bayern Munich might have stormed their way to a 4-0 DFP Pokal victory back in October, Kompany’s side should face a sterner test here. Although Mainz might have eventually fallen to a frantic 4-3 defeat away at Wolfsburg last weekend, Saturday’s hosts have claimed nine points from their last four Bundesliga appearances. Although the Carnival Club might have a real challenge on their hands at the MEWA Arena, they will be confident of putting in a better account of themselves.
Verdict: Bayern Munich win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmaker: Luckster
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