Bayern Munich has enjoyed a terrific Hinrunde so far, remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga. They have dropped points only once after 13 matchdays in the league. Bayern have looked especially dominant at Allianz Arena. Vincent Kompany’s men will look to round off their good home form in 2025 with a win against Mainz on Sunday.
The Bavarian club struggled a bit during November, but they managed to grind out wins. It is a testament to the spirit in the team and Kompany’s work behind the scenes that Die Roten can win even on their bad days. A win on Sunday will ensure Bayern remain at the top of the Bundesliga table going into the winter break.
Meanwhile, Mainz have endured a very difficult Hinrunde. They currently sit at the bottom of the points table, having won just one of their 13 league games this season. It will take a herculean effort from Mainz on Sunday to get a positive result at Allianz Arena.
Team News
Bayern welcomed Alphonso Davies back in the matchday squad against the Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. Kompany and his staff will slowly increase the game time for Davies as he builds fitness over the next few weeks. Davies will be in the squad against Mainz and likely get minutes from the bench.
Luis Diaz has been given extra rest this week after starting all but two games this season. The Colombian will be rested against Mainz. Jamal Musiala is expected to start training with the team before the winter break, but his return to the matchday squad is expected to happen in January.
Predicted Starting XI
Bayern have given Jonas Urbig some game time in the Bundesliga this season to ensure he has the desired match rhythm. In an ideal scenario, Urbig should have played the last couple of games before the winter break, but Vincent Kompany has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will likely start in the goal against Mainz.
In the defense, Kompany will likely make a couple of changes after a strong team started against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. Jonathan Tah will start alongside Kim Min-jae in the heart of the defense, giving Dayot Upamecano some rest. Konrad Laimer will start on the right side of the defense, while Tom Bischof will play on the left, replacing Josip Stanisic in the back four.
The midfield selection is straightforward for Kompany since Leon Goretzka has been struggling for form in the last few weeks. Joshua Kimmich will start alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic in the center of the park.
With Luis Diaz rested, Kompany can go with Serge Gnabry on the left flank. Lennart Karl has played a lot of games in the last few weeks, so Raphael Guerreiro will come in to give some rest to the teenager. The Portuguese international will play behind Harry Kane, who will be leading the line for Die Roten. Michael Olise will complete the attacking quartet by starting on the right flank.
Bayern Munich Starting XI- Neuer; Bischof, Tah, Kim Min-jae, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlović; Gnabry, Guerreiro, Olise; Kane
Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-0 Mainz
Bayern have played entertaining football at Allianz Arena this season. They have pinned teams in their half and scored goals for fun. Considering Mainz’s form for the entire season, a big win for Bayern will likely be the outcome of Sunday’s game.