In Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal second-round clash, Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, travels to Mewa Arena to face Mainz 05.
Also Read: Bundesliga Live! VfL Bochum vs Bayern Munich Players Rating (27th October, 2024)
After a commanding 5-0 victory over VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, Bayern aims to secure consecutive wins and gain stability after a recent 4-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Mainz 05, currently ranked 13th in the Bundesliga with nine points from eight games, progressed to this stage by edging past Wehen Wiesbaden 3-1 in August. Meanwhile, Bayern breezed through their first round with a 4-0 win over Ulm.
Match Preview
Mainz initially trailed against Wehen Wiesbaden but managed an equalizer in the 59th minute, ultimately securing their second-round spot in extra time. In their recent Bundesliga outing on October 25, Mainz played to a 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, nearly doubling their opponent’s expected goals (xG) at 1.2 to 0.6.
Despite this encouraging performance, Mainz manager Bo Henriksen has concerns regarding his side’s lack of finishing power—they rank third from the bottom in creating big chances in the league.
Henriksen’s squad has won only two of their last six matches across competitions, drawing once and losing three, with eight goals scored and nine conceded. Mewa Arena hasn’t provided much of an advantage recently either; Mainz has drawn twice and lost three of their past five home fixtures.
On Bayern’s end, Vincent Kompany celebrated his team’s bounce-back victory over VfL Bochum, praising their composure under pressure. The Belgian coach has been under scrutiny recently, as Bayern’s form fluctuated, recording two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six games, with 15 goals scored and nine conceded.
Although Bayern’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, their attack remains lethal, scoring 39 goals across Bundesliga and Champions League matches this season. Bayern’s form on the road started with four straight wins, though they’ve faltered more recently, posting two losses, a draw, and a win in their last four away games.
Team News and Expected Lineups
For Mainz, injuries will keep key players sidelined: center-back Andreas Hanche-Olsen is out until late November, and right-back Nikolas Veratschnig will miss at least the first week of November.
With striker Jonathan Burkardt and midfielder Nadiem Amiri also out until next month, Mainz may start Armindo Sieb up front, supported by Kaishu Sano and Hyun-Seok Hong in midfield. Center-backs Moritz Jenz, Maxim Leitsch, and Dominik Kohr are expected to form a solid defensive line in front of goalkeeper Lasse Finn Riess.
Bayern Munich faces its own injury troubles. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic is sidelined until mid-December with a broken collarbone, while defenders Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, and Sacha Boey are also unavailable.
Sven Ulreich may replace Manuel Neuer in goal, with Adam Aznou, Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano, and Konrad Laimer likely comprising Bayern’s backline. Attacking duties could fall to Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller, with young forward Mathys Tel possibly stepping in for Harry Kane.
Probable Lineups:
- Mainz 05: Riess; Kohr, Jenz, Leitsch; Caci, Sano, Hong, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Sieb
- Bayern Munich: Ulreich; Laimer, Upamecano, Dier, Aznou; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Gnabry; Tel
Prediction
While Bayern’s mixed form suggests potential vulnerability, the Bavarians’ deep attacking lineup makes it challenging for Mainz to hold a lead if they manage to strike first. Mainz will likely need to adopt a solid defensive stance and take advantage of Bayern’s defensive inconsistencies if they hope to challenge Kompany’s squad at Mewa Arena.
