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Bayern Munich vs. FSV Mainz
The 15th matchday of the Bundesliga is in the starting blocks and FC Bayern will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table this coming weekend. Opponents for this mission are FSV Mainz 05, kicking off at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday at 15:30.
Many fans will still remember the last meeting between these two clubs. In April 2021, Mainz were already 2-0 up against the heavy favourites in their own stadium after 37 minutes. Bayern didn’t really have much to offer that day, and even Robert Lewandowski’s late goal in injury time couldn’t prevent the away defeat. Our Bayern vs Mainz tip reveals whether we think the Rheinhessen side can pull off the next surprise and what else we think about this game.
Bayern -Mainz Info
– Date & Time: 11.12.2021, at 15:30 hrs.
– Venue: Munich, Allianz Arena (no spectators)
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 15
– TV broadcast: Sky Sport Bundesliga
Bayern -Mainz Tip
The starting situation is clear. FC Bayern are the heavy favourites and will be looking to extend their lead in the table after winning the top match against Dortmund. Mainz, like almost every other guest at the Allianz Arena, are the underdogs. The record champions should not underestimate the 05ers, however, as they have lost only one of their last six games and have always been a very unpleasant opponent since Bo Svensson took over. With a lead behind them, things could go their way, but until then Lewandowski & Co. will most likely have their work cut out for them.
Bayern form & balance check
With 34 points after 14 games, FC Bayern currently has the best interim record in six years. After the unexpected 2-1 defeat at FC Augsburg, the record champions have bounced back and won the two duels with Arminia Bielefeld (1-0) and Borussia Dortmund (2-3). Even though it is still early in the season, the victory in Dortmund is a big step towards the championship. The lead over BVB is now four points and as soon as Borussia drops another point, it will take a lot of imagination not to assume the 10th Bayern championship in a row.
Bayern with perfect CL group stage
In the top flight, Lewandowski & Co. have performed even better. All six group games were won, the goal difference of 22:3 is a pure demonstration of power. Even second-placed Benfica Lisbon has a negative goal difference (-2) due to the clear defeats against Bayern. With their 3-0 win over FC Barcelona last Wednesday, the Bavarians also had a successful end to the preliminaries.
If the Bavarians can deliver the performance they deserve, they will be almost unbeatable this season. However, the performances in Augsburg (2:1) and against Eintracht Frankfurt (1:2) have shown that even the seemingly overpowering record champions cannot always bring their abilities onto the pitch. Without Joshua Kimmich, that might happen even more often now until the end of the year.
Bayern Facts & Analysis
– 34 points from 14 games
– Last win 2:3 in Dortmund
– Best interim record in 6 years
– Against no other team a higher goal average than against Mainz (2.83)
Mainz Form & Balance Check
FSV Mainz 05 can be very happy with the way their season has gone so far. 21 points after 14 games are even the best interim balance since the 2010/11 season, when under Thomas Tuchel there were already 30 points on the account at that point. Their current form is also impressive. Of the last six Bundesliga games, Svensson’s eleven has lost only one – 2-1 at VfB Stuttgart on the penultimate matchday. Before that, there were two 1-1 draws against Gladbach and Cologne, and on the last matchday, the 05ers won 3-0 against VfL Wolfsburg.
Svensson with a strong record
Without a doubt, coach Bo Svensson has played a major role in Mainz’s upswing. He has now played 34 Bundesliga games as a coach – a whole season, so to speak – and has picked up an impressive 54 points (15 wins, 9 draws, 10 defeats) with the Rheinhessen side. With this number of points, Mainz would have finished sixth last season, ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, and thus in the Europa League. Jonathan Burkhardt & Co. are currently in seventh place.
A win against Bayern seems rather unlikely, but the coach’s strong Bayern record should encourage all supporters. As a player, Svensson has won three times against Munich, in addition to two draws and two defeats. As a coach, he has also scored three times in his only encounter with the record champions to date.
Mainz Facts & Analysis
21 points from 14 games
– Last win 3:0 against Wolfsburg
– Only 1 defeat from last 6 games
– Last duel with Bayern won 2:1
Predicted line-up – last update on 9 December 2021
Joshua Kimmich will not be back on the pitch for FC Bayern until 2022. After his Corona infection, the international is currently still struggling with slight lung problems. Goretzka’s fitness for action is still questionable. Due to the change in the personnel situation, Bayern have also recently adapted their playing system. Against Mainz, it is likely to be a 3-4-2-1 again with Müller and Sané as attacking midfielders. Both Süle and Upamecano could play in the back three. Sabitzer, Choupo-Moting and Stanisic are not available.
For Mainz, the only question is whether Stach or Boetius will start. Against Bayern, however, we expect the more defensive option (Stach). St. Juste, Kohr and Lucoqui are still missing.
ℹ️ The FCBayern will play its remaining games until the end of the year without Joshua Kimmich
– FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 9, 2021
Bayern – Mainz direct comparison & statistics
Of the 32 duels so far, Bayern have won 24. Three duels ended in a draw and five times the Mainz team won. Both parties will certainly remember the last encounter well. On 24 April 2021, Mainz beat the record champions 2-1 in their own stadium, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the 2-1 equaliser in the 90th minute. It was Mainz’s first win since March 2016, and Bayern have won all but one of the nine meetings between the two sides. The last four duels at the Allianz Arena ended 5:2, 6:1, 6:0 and 4:0.
– The comparisons between the two clubs last season: 5-2 (home to Bayern Munich) and 2-1 (home to FSV Mainz).
– FSV Mainz’s last away win at Bayern Munich was in 2016.
– Will the streak continue? FSV Mainz have scored in each of their last 9 matches.
Thomas Muller has the most assists for Bayern Munich with 12. At FSV Mainz, Karim Onisiwo (5) is in front.
– A year ago, FSV Mainz were in 17th position in the table with 6 points. Currently they are in 7th position (21).
