Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich Prediction: A win for Bayern

Mainz 05 and Bayern Munich square off in a crucial match at the MEWA Arena on Saturday as the Bundesliga returns with a new round of games this weekend. Bayern Munich's midweek Champions League loss will be quickly forgotten when they open their Bundesliga championship defense against Mainz 05 at the Mewa Arena on Saturday. The host has not lost a Bundesliga match since the beginning of February, while the visitors are trying to avoid going four games in a row in all competitions without a victory.

The Bundesliga rankings now put FSV Mainz in ninth place, although they have struggled to maintain consistency thus far. The home team will need to step it up in this match after last week's draw with FC Koln.

On the other side, Bayern Munich is currently at the top of the league standings and has been playing well this year. The Bavarian giants will want to step it up this weekend after being held to a stalemate by Manchester City in their last match. A tricky match but with just 2 points separating Bayern from Dortmund, the away team will put in much effort to win to sustain the only chance of winning a trophy this season. 

Mainz 05 will give Bayern a difficult opponent because they have won nine straight games. But in their previous five games, they had only one victory, and that win also included their only clean sheet in those five games. The last four goals came from both sides. Mainz has scored in each of their past 10 games since their last scoreless game, a home loss to Bayern Munich. 

Mainz 05 do not have any injuries hence the head coach is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his starting lineup.  

Mainz 05 possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Zentner;

Defenders: Fernandes, Bell, Hanche-Olsen;

Midfielders: Widmer, Barreiro, Kohr, Caci;

Strikers: Stach, Onisiwo; Ajorque

Bayern Munich will find Mainz on a five-game home undefeated streak with three victories. Bayern Munich's latest game resulted in their elimination from the Champions League, adding to the upheaval the club has been through lately. They were previously ousted from the German Cup, and they are currently in transition as a result of management changes following the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann. Although Thomas Tuchel was brought in with the expectation that he would instantly get the ground rolling for Bayern, things have not yet settled under the former Chelsea manager.

Things in the Bayern camp became even more tumultuous following a recent altercation between Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane, and the result can be seen on the field. In their previous five games, Bayern only managed one victory. Bayern's most recent five games have seen both teams score three times, and the victory, a 1-0 triumph against Freiburg, stands out as their lone clean sheet in those five games. In their last five road games, they've experienced three defeats.

With regard to injuries, Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez are still out with serious leg and knee injuries, respectively. Benjamin Pavard will miss one match after receiving five cautions.

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Sommer; 

Deqfenders: Cancelo, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; 

Midfielders: Kimmich, Goretska; 

Attackers: Coman, Musiala, Sane; Choupo-Moting

Due to recent underperformance, Bayern Munich will have to compete with Borussia Dortmund for the championship. This season, FSV Mainz has performed admirably, and this weekend, they'll want to shock the system. However, Bayern Munich appears to be the superior squad and should be able to prevail in this match.

Bayern has destroyed Mainz in both of their previous encounters this season, but a closer game on Saturday is expected given the home team's improved play and the visitors' recent misfortunes.

However, Bayern will be considered the favorites to win, and they should have enough talent in the final third to defeat their rivals in the Mewa Arena. A 1-2, 1-3, or 1-4 scoreline is to e expected.