Bayern Munich will aim to secure a place in the next round of the DFB-Pokal as they face FSV Mainz 05 on Wednesday night at the Mewa Arena. Despite some recent inconsistencies, Bayern come into this fixture with renewed confidence following a dominant 5-0 win against VfL Bochum. Vincent Kompany’s men will look to maintain their cup defense, while Mainz hope to overcome their shaky league form to cause an upset.
Team News & Tactics
FSV Mainz 05
Mainz will be missing several key players, including Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Jonathan Burkardt, and Nadiem Amiri. Manager Bo Henriksen is expected to set up his team in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
- Goalkeeper: Lasse Finn Riess
- Defense: A back three of Dominik Kohr, Moritz Jenz, and Maxim Leitsch
- Midfield: Kaishu Sano and Hong Hyun-seok will anchor the midfield, with Aaron Martin Caricol and Phillipp Mwene as wing-backs.
- Attack: Nelson Weiper and Lee Jae-sung will support Armindo Sieb, the lone striker.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Riess; Kohr, Jenz, Leitsch; Caci, Sano, Hong, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Sieb
Bayern Munich
Bayern will also have a few absences, with Aleksandar Pavlovic and several defenders unavailable. Manuel Neuer is expected to be rested, allowing Sven Ulreich to step in as the starting goalkeeper. Vincent Kompany is likely to rotate the squad, but will maintain a strong lineup in their 4-2-3-1 system.
- Goalkeeper: Sven Ulreich
- Defense: Konrad Laimer and Adam Aznou as full-backs, with Eric Dier and Dayot Upamecano in central defense.
- Midfield: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will anchor the midfield, while Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, and Serge Gnabry will operate in attacking roles.
- Attack: Young Mathys Tel is likely to start up front in place of Harry Kane.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Laimer, Upamecano, Dier, Aznou; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Gnabry; Tel
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have dominated recent meetings, winning 21 of their last 25 matches against Mainz.
- Mainz have struggled at home, losing three of their last five games at the Mewa Arena.
- Bayern have scored 39 goals in their first 11 matches this season across the Bundesliga and Champions League.
- Mainz have created only 14 big chances in the Bundesliga this season, indicating their struggles in attack.
Player to Watch: Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane has been Bayern’s standout performer this season, consistently contributing goals and assists. His pace and dribbling skills have troubled defenders all year, and he will look to exploit Mainz’s defensive frailties. Sane’s ability to cut inside and create chances will be key as Bayern aims to break down a resolute Mainz defense.
Mainz vs Bayern Munich Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 FSV Mainz 05
Despite Mainz’s resilience, Bayern’s firepower and recent form should see them advance to the next round. Leroy Sane and Mathys Tel could be crucial in breaking down Mainz’s defense, with Bayern’s offensive strength too much for the home side to handle.
How to Watch Mainz vs Bayern Munich
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
