Bayern preparing a rout amid their opponents’ crisis: Mainz vs Bayern prediction
On Saturday, Mainz will host Bayern Munich in the ninth round of the German Bundesliga. The hosts sit ninth with 10 points but are going through a serious slump. The visitors lead the table with 18 points, ahead of Borussia Dortmund only on goal difference. Bayern are determined to retain top spot and extend their unbeaten run.
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Mainz: four defeats in five matches and a home crisis
Urs Fischer's team find themselves in a difficult position after losing four of their last five matches in all competitions. In the previous round, Mainz suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Elversberg, conceding three goals before half-time. Despite sitting ninth, the hosts are just three points clear of the relegation playoff zone. Their home record is particularly alarming: the team have collected just one point from a possible 12 at the MEWA Arena.
Squad problems are making preparations for the meeting with the league leaders even more difficult. Defender Stefan Posch is suspended after being sent off against Elversberg, while Dominik Kohr is also unavailable. Danny da Costa, Fabio Gruber and Kacper Potulski are expected to feature in defense. In midfield, Fischer will likely rely on Lee Jae-sung, Kaysu Sano and Nadiem Amiri to limit the space available to Bayern's attacking players.
Bayern: title race and consistent scoring form
Vincent Kompany's side remain unbeaten, although they have drawn four of their last eight matches in all competitions. In the previous round, Bayern surrendered a victory against Borussia Dortmund in a 2-2 draw, taking the lead twice before conceding the decisive equalizer in the 89th minute. However, in the Champions League, Bayern comfortably defeated Atlético Madrid 2-0 away from home, underlining their ability to compete for major results on multiple fronts.
Despite their injury problems, the visitors' attacking potential remains formidable. Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry will miss out with injuries, while Jamal Musiala is a doubt. Bayern's main attacking hope is Harry Kane, who has scored four goals in the Bundesliga. Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Alphonso Davies could provide support for the striker. While Kompany recovers from health issues, his assistant René Marić will continue to lead the team.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Mainz have collected just one point in four home Bundesliga matches
- Bayern have won five of their last seven meetings with Mainz
- Bayern have scored at least two goals in seven of their eight away matches this season
Can Mainz stop Bayern's attack: Mainz vs Bayern prediction
Mainz head into this match in extremely poor form. Defensive problems, the absence of home wins and a depleted squad make the hosts' task significantly more difficult. Against Bayern's prolific attack, Fischer's team will find it especially hard to remain solid.
Bayern are clear favorites thanks to the quality of their squad and their consistent performances. Even without several key attacking players, the visitors are capable of creating a host of goalscoring opportunities. At the same time, their less-than-perfect away record in terms of goals conceded gives Mainz a chance to get on the scoresheet.
