Bayern Munich have the chance to go top of the Bundesliga on Saturday when they host Bo Svensson’s Mainz 05. However, don’t rule out the visitors in this one. Currently in 6th, Mainz will be looking to make it three wins from three and possibly move into the top four.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side have improved after slightly stuttering at the beginning of the campaign. Coming off the back of a brilliant 3-0 in Barcelona, Bayern will progress in the Champions League as group winners and find them in the third round of the DFB Pokal for the first time since 2019.
With injuries racking up for Bayern, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has stepped up to the plate and become a valued asset in the Bavarians’ starting XI. Since playing as the team’s number nine, the Cameroonian international has been in fine form and proved as a catalyst for positive change.
Such as the last game, Bayern will remain without Lucas Hernandez, Leroy Sané and Bouna Sarr due to injuries. The three in question will also be unlikely to feature before the start of next month’s World Cup.
Another blow is club captain Manuel Neuer who has missed each of his side’s last five victories due to a shoulder issue. It’s believed that the 36-year-old is unlikely to be risked against Mainz. Nagelsmann will also be without Thomas Müller on Saturday. In more positive news, Kingsley Coman and Benjamin Pavard could start to freshen up the side.
For the visitors, the injury list isn’t as long. Mainz will be without Maxim Leitsch and Marlon Mustapha. Other than that, Svensson can pick from form as his side looks to upset the odds.
Predicted lineups
Bayern Munich: Ulreich – Pavard, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Coman, Musiala, Mané – Choupo-Moting.
Mainz 05: Zentner – Fernandes, Hack, Caci – Widmer, Kohr, Stach, Aaron – Lee – Ingvartsen, Onisiwo.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
