
Mewa Arena forms the backdrop for matchday 14’s mouth-watering showdown as Bayern Munich aim to consolidate their spot at the top of the Bundesliga table when they take on FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams head into the game in contrasting form with Mainz reeling from a narrow 4-3 defeat against VfL Wolfsburg while the Bavarians continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-2 win against Heidenheim.
However, recent results might count for nothing at the weekend as form tends to go out the window when these two sides lock horns.
Bayern will need to be wary as they’ve been guilty of falling on their sword away to Mainz in recent meetings, while the hosts will fancy their chances of being the first side to dent the Bavarians’ unbeaten run.
There tends to be plenty of fireworks when these two sides faceoff, and fans who get their tickets from Seatsnet.com – the best secondary marketplaces – will expect more of the same this weekend.
Match Preview
Mainz went into their recent Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg riding high on a three-match winning streak.
However, their momentum faltered in a dramatic encounter that saw them surrender a lead three times before ultimately falling to a shocking defeat.
Despite leading 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, defensive lapses in the final stages cost Mainz dearly.
Manager Bo Henriksen said he was largely pleased with his side’s performance against Wolfsburg: “It was a crazy game.
“We’re obviously disappointed because we produced a really good performance today – against a really good team.
“We played good football in the half-spaces, but obviously, we also need to defend a bit better in the last 10 minutes.”
Defensive inconsistency on Sunday was surprising, given Mainz’s recent solidity at the back.
Henriksen’s side had kept three clean sheets in their last four matches, conceding only once in that span.
Mainz have also been firing on all cylinders in the final third, boasting 23 Bundesliga goals this season, the seventh-best record in the league.
They’ve found the net 11 times in their last four matches, showcasing their offensive potential.
At the Mewa Arena, Mainz’s form has been mixed.
While they’ve remained unbeaten in their last three home games with two wins and a draw, those results followed three consecutive losses at the same venue.
They’ll need to reinforce their rearguard if they’re to keep the rampant Bayern at bay and maintain their attacking edge to cause the leaders plenty of problems.
Vincent Kompany’s side arrive in exceptional form after dismantling Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 in the Champions League, marking the ninth time this season that Bayern have scored 4+ goals in a single match.
However, Mainz might be able to pounce on their defensive vulnerability, with Tuesday’s victory extending their streak of conceding to four games. Kompany acknowledged this issue, emphasising the need for improvement: “Sometimes you can be vulnerable [to counters] when you’re so dominant.
“We’ll continue to work in detail about these moments. But we could’ve won 5-0, and I’d still say that we have to improve.”
Despite their defensive frailties, Bayern boast the league’s best offensive and defensive records, scoring 41 goals while conceding only ten.
Their goal difference of +31 is unmatched, significantly outpacing second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt’s +15.
Bayern have won nine of their last 11 games (D1, L1), with their only defeat in that impressive run coming against Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal.
Kompany’s side are also formidable on the road, winning four of their last five outings with a staggering 16 goals scored and only two conceded.
Key Stats
Bayern Munich have established a dominant record against Mainz, winning 31 of their last 41 encounters. Mainz, on the other hand, have managed just seven victories in this head-to-head rivalry.
Their most recent clash in March highlighted Bayern’s supremacy, as the Bavarians delivered an emphatic 8-1 victory – Mainz’s second-largest defeat in Bundesliga history.
However, Mainz have been resilient on home turf against the top teams.
They have won their last three home matches against the league leaders, with each of those wins coincidentally coming against Bayern.
They have an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games, and you won’t put it past them to get one over Bayern when both sides trade tackles on Saturday.
Even if that were to happen, it would be far from a cakewalk for Die Nullfunfer.
Bayern have started the Bundesliga season in fantastic form. With 33 points from their first 13 games, they are enjoying their best league start since the 2015/16 campaign.
Die Roten’s dominance is evident across the pitch – they boast both the league’s most potent attack, with 41 goals scored, and the stingiest defence, having conceded just ten goals.
Team News
Mainz midfielder Danny da Costa remains sidelined with a groin injury and is not expected to return until January 2025.
In his absence, the midfield responsibilities will likely fall to regulars Kaishu Sano and Nadiem Amiri, who are expected to form a key partnership in the middle of the park.
On the wings, Mainz will have to make do without Gabriel Vidovic, whose ankle injury could keep him out until late February.
This opens the door for Henriksen to deploy a forward trio of Paul Nebel, Jae-sung Lee, and Jonathan Burkardt.
Meanwhile, the defensive line is shaping up to feature Dominik Kohr, Stefan Bell, and Maxim Leitsch in a back three, shielding goalkeeper Robin Zentner.
For the visitors, a back four of Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae, and Raphael Guerreiro is likely, given the unavailability of Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Josip Stanisic.
Between the posts, Daniel Peretz is poised to start as Manuel Neuer continues to recover from a rib injury, with Sven Ulreich potentially absent due to personal reasons.
In attack, hamstring issues for Kingsley Coman and Harry Kane could lead Kompany to field Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane in advanced roles behind veteran Thomas Muller.
The midfield pairing will likely feature Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic, as Joao Palhinha’s groin injury is set to rule him out until mid-January.
Mainz 05 potential starting line up:
(3-4-2-1): Robin Zentner; Dominik Kohr, Stefan Bell, Maxim Leitsch; Anthony Caci, Kaishu Sano, Nadiem Amiri, Phillipp Mwene; Paul Nebel, Jae-sung Lee; Jonathan Burkardt.
Bayern Munich potential starting line up:
(4-2-3-1): Daniel Peretz; Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Raphael Guerreiro; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane; Thomas Muller.
