Bundesliga: Bayern Face Mainz with Top Spot in Sight

Bayern Munich vs FSV Mainz 05

It has been a while since Bayern Munich have been at the top of the Bundesliga. But the defending champions can climb ahead of leaders Union Berlin – who play one day later – this weekend if they can beat Mainz at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern have been getting back to their dominant best and are unbeaten in four games since returning from the international break.

However, Mainz are in fine form themselves with back-to-back wins. Moreover, they had their share of success against Bayern in recent years, and they will be keen to defy the Bundesliga 2022 betting odds once again.

Talking Points

Bayern getting back to form

After going through a bit of a rough patch to start the season, Bayern Munich are back to dominating the Bundesliga. They have won three of their four games since the international break, and it would have been four in four had it not been for Borussia Dortmund’s dramatic comeback in Der Klassiker.

Bayern have scored 13 goals over those four games, nine of which have come in two home games. And counting their Champions League games, they have won their last four games at Allianz Arena, with 16 goals scored and none allowed.

Bayern will be in action in midweek away to Barcelona, who are fighting for their Champions League lives. Bayern are already qualified with four wins out of four, so Julian Nagelsmann could opt to rest a few of his starters.

Bayern will be without three key players – goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernández, and Leroy Sane – due to injury. But Thomas Muller, who missed their weekend win at Hoffenheim with a stomach bug, is set to be available again.

But Muller might need to wait to reclaim a starting spot since Eric Choupo-Moting is on fire. The veteran Cameroonian striker has started each of the last three games at centre-forward, and he has capitalised on this rare chance to play as he’s scored four goals in those three games. With that fine form, he has likely earned another start at the Camp Nou.

Mainz continue to move up

Mainz’s rise under Bo Svensson continues. After leading the 05ers to an eighth-place finish – their highest Bundesliga finish since 2016 – following his arrival in January of last year, Svensson has his side up in sixth through 11 Bundesliga matches this season.

Mainz are currently on a two-game winning streak in the league. After beating Werder Bremen 2-0, they crushed 10-man Koln 5-0 last weekend.

Striker Marcus Ingvartsen has suddenly hit a purple patch, scoring four goals in each of his last four games. Strike partner Karim Onisiwo also ended his extended scoring drought as he scored his first goal since late August.

Jonathan Burkardt, last season’s top scorer with 11 goals, is off to a slow start with no goals in seven appearances. But the 22-year-old is finally delivering some Bundesliga 2022 highlights and has supplied two assists in the last three games.

Mainz’s win over Koln was their first at home this season. Their other four wins had all come away from home, and they currently have the best away record in the division. They were thrashed 4-1 by Hoffenheim – one of their heaviest defeats of the season to date – although it should be noted that they were down to 10 men for over half of that match.

History

Bayern Munich have gotten the better of Mainz in recent years. They have an 18-6 advantage in wins, with just two draws.

However, Mainz have had some surprising success against Bayern lately. In fact, they have claimed two wins over the champions over their last three meetings.

Mainz beat Bayern 3-1 in their most recent matchup back in April. Jonathan Burkardt scored as he continued his terrific record against Bayern with three goals in five appearances.

Betting Tip

Unsurprisingly, the SBOTOP odds are tilted heavily in Bayern’s favour. The Bavarians are installed as massive 1.23 favourites to beat Mainz, who are priced at 10.00 to pull off an upset at the Allianz Arena. A draw is 6.40.

Bayern have been scoring goals for fun of late, but Mainz will not be a walk in the park. Expect the 05ers to put up a decent fight against the Bavarians, who may not be quite as up for this match following their big midweek battle against Barcelona.

 

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