Bayern Munich are set to face Mainz 05 on Saturday, with the Bavarians aiming to secure a crucial Bundesliga victory after a recent run of mixed results. The league leaders will travel to a Mainz side desperate to reverse their fortunes following a heavy defeat.
Team News and Recent Form
Bayern Munich’s most recent Bundesliga outing saw them draw against Borussia Dortmund. Despite dominating the match, they were denied a win by a late equaliser. This result contributes to a frustrating period for Bayern, who have drawn four of their last eight competitive fixtures.
On a more positive note for Bayern, Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović have both returned to team training. However, Musiala will not be available for the match against Mainz, while Pavlović’s involvement will depend on his physical response. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has also returned to training and is expected to feature. Bayern will still be without Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry, who are sidelined with hamstring injuries, and Alphonso Davies could be rested due to workload concerns.
Mainz 05, meanwhile, are enduring a difficult spell, having lost four of their last five competitive matches. Their most recent fixture ended in a significant 4-1 defeat against newly promoted SV Elversberg. Head coach Urs Fischer will also need to make defensive adjustments as Stefan Posch and Phillipp Mwene are both suspended for the encounter.
Head-to-Head and Away Record
Despite Mainz’s current struggles, they have historically posed a challenge for Bayern Munich at home. Mainz have won four of their last six home Bundesliga meetings against the Bavarians. Their most recent home encounter with Bayern in April saw them establish a three-goal lead before ultimately losing 4-3.
Bayern Munich, however, boast an impressive away record in the Bundesliga, remaining unbeaten in their last 30 away matches, securing 22 wins and eight draws during this period. Interestingly, their last away defeat in the league came against Mainz in December 2024, highlighting the potential for an upset.
Mainz have shown some attacking prowess this season, with eight of their 17 league goals originating from their right flank, a league-best figure. Anthony Caci has been particularly influential in this area, contributing three goals and three assists. Furthermore, Mainz have scored five goals through substitutes this season, compared to Bayern’s two.
Bayern’s assistant coach Aaron Danks will remain in charge during Vincent Kompany’s absence for this fixture.