Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich

Perennial Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich head to the Mewa Arena to lock horns with second-from-bottom Mainz 05.

Though you’d need to go back to April for Mainz’s last Bundesliga triumph (D3, L9 since), it’s worth noting that success came against none other than Bayern Munich! But it doesn’t change the fact Bo Svensson’s men have picked up a mere two points after the opening seven league rounds this term (D2, L5), with only rock-bottom Koln collecting fewer (1). Mainz’s defensive frailties hardly bode well for their bid to get off the mark in 2023/24, with no side conceding more Bundesliga goals than them (19) thus far. It’s not like they’ve impressed on the other end of the pitch, netting the division’s third-low six goals! Only two of those six strikes came on home turf, where ‘Die Nullfünfer’ have lost twice in three Bundesliga outings this term (D1).

In stark contrast to Mainz’s disastrous start, visiting Bayern Munich are already laying the foundation for a record-extending 12th consecutive Bundesliga title, beginning this round as one of just three unbeaten teams (W5, D2). However, Thomas Tuchel’s men have alternated between winning (3) and drawing (2) across their last five league outings, most recently hammering Freiburg 3-0 at home. Despite their topsy-turvy form, the ‘Bavarians’ have been clinical in front of goal, scoring at least twice on all three Bundesliga travels this season (W2, D1). That must be music to Tuchel’s ears as his men bid to end a three-game losing league streak away to Mainz, which represents their longest run of away league defeats against any side since losing five in a row at Schalke between 2000-2005.