On Saturday afternoon, reigning German champions Bayern Munich travel to the MEWA Arena as the Bavarians attempt to get maintain their lead at the top of the Bundesliga.
Mainz form guideThe 05ers are now unbeaten in their nine matches in the Bundesliga. However, a run of four draws in their last five league matches has hindered their chances of breaking into the league’s European spots this season. Last time out, they were held to a 1-1 draw at Koln.
Despite the draws, Bo Svenson’s team is only two points adrift of the European spots in the German top flight. Their recent league outings have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last six matches in the Bundesliga.
Mainz is unbeaten in six home matches in the Bundesliga, claiming four victories and two draws. Their last two home matches in the German top flight have ended in draws.
Bayern Munich form guideThe reigning German champions head into this game on the back of a poor run of form by their extremely high standards. Bayern exited the Champions League at the quarter-finals stages on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw against Manchester City, a result which meant that they suffered a 4-1 aggregate defeat. The draw means Bayern have won just once in their last five competitive games.
Their recent matches have also been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four competitive outings.
Despite their recent poor form, the Bavarians are still top of the Bundesliga table. However, they are only two points clear of rivals Dortmund.
Latest team newsMainz’s only likely absentee is star striker Jonathan Burkardt, who is suffering from a knee problem and could miss the remainder of the season.
Bayern Munich will be without the suspended Benjamin Pavard, while Paul Wanner, Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer all look likely to miss out through injury.
What am I backing?This will not be an easy game for reigning champions Bayern, as Mainz is a tough team to beat. I believe this will be a low-scoring encounter, so the bet I am backing is under 2.5 goals scored.