Bayern Munich will aim to secure their spot in the next round of the DFB-Pokal when they take on FSV Mainz 05 on Wednesday night.
In the second round of the DFB-Pokal, Bayern Munich will visit FSV Mainz 05 at the Mewa Arena on Wednesday evening, with Vincent Kompany’s side looking to continue their defence of the cup trophy. After suffering some recent ups and downs, Bayern Munich will aim for a consistent run of victories, having overcome a tough period of mixed results.
Mainz, currently sitting 13th in the Bundesliga, will look to channel their league resilience into a solid cup run. The 05s managed to reach this stage by coming from behind to defeat Wehen Wiesbaden 3-1 in August, with a determined extra-time effort. However, Mainz’s inconsistency in front of goal has been evident in their Bundesliga campaign, where Bo Henriksen’s team has created only 14 big chances — the third lowest in the division.
Mainz’s recent form has been varied, winning two, drawing one, and losing three of their last six outings. In their previous league match on October 25, Mainz drew 1-1 with Borussia Monchengladbach despite having the upper hand in terms of expected goals (xG), producing a significantly higher xG than their opponents (0.6).
While Henriksen might be content with their defensive stability at times, he will be keenly aware that his side needs to be more clinical in their offensive efforts. Their home record adds further concern, as they have drawn two and lost three of their last five matches at the Mewa Arena.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, come into this clash on the back of a much-needed 5-0 win against VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga. Vincent Kompany’s squad looked composed and assertive, a marked improvement following a shocking 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on October 23. The Belgian manager praised his team for showing calmness under pressure, particularly amid recent criticism of their inconsistencies.
Die Roten have experienced a challenging patch, winning two, drawing two, and losing two of their last six fixtures, while conceding nine goals and scoring 15. Despite defensive vulnerabilities and conceding first on three occasions, Bayern’s offensive prowess remains a crucial weapon, with 39 goals scored across 11 matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
After beginning their season with four consecutive away victories, Bayern have seen a dip in their travels, winning just one of their last four away fixtures while losing two and drawing one. Kompany’s side will need to find their rhythm once again if they are to avoid a shock cup exit against Mainz. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
FSV Mainz 05
Mainz will head into their DFB-Pokal clash without several key players. Centre-back Andreas Hanche-Olsen remains sidelined until late November due to an injury, while right-back Nikolas Veratschnig is out until early next month.
The home side are also without forward Jonathan Burkardt and midfielder Nadiem Amiri, both of whom are set to return in late November. Due to these absences, manager Bo Henriksen may field Armindo Sieb as a lone striker up front, while Kaishu Sano and Hong Hyun-seok could be deployed together in central midfield.
In terms of formation, Mainz could line up in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Goalkeeper Lasse Finn Riess is likely to be shielded by a defensive trio consisting of Dominik Kohr, Moritz Jenz, and Maxim Leitsch. The wing-back positions could be occupied by Aaron Martin Caricol and Phillipp Mwene, providing width on either flank.
In central midfield, Kaishu Sano and Hong Hyun-seok will aim to establish control. Supporting the attack, Nelson Weiper and Lee Jae-sung may play as advanced midfielders behind Armindo Sieb, who is expected to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Riess; Kohr, Jenz, Leitsch; Caci, Sano, Hong, Mwene; Nebel, Lee; Sieb
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will be without several key players for the night. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic remains sidelined until mid-December after suffering a broken collarbone, while defenders Hiroki Ito, Josip Stanisic, and Sacha Boey are also unavailable due to various injuries. With first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer set to be rested, Sven Ulreich could step into the starting lineup to guard the goal.
In the probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Sven Ulreich is expected to start between the posts for Bayern Munich against FSV Mainz 05, with Konrad Laimer and Adam Aznou positioned as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively. Eric Dier and Dayot Upamecano will likely pair up in the central defensive.
The midfield double pivot may consist of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, who are set to play a crucial role in both defensive stability and ball distribution. Moving further forward, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane are expected to occupy the wings, while veteran forward Thomas Muller could slot into a central attacking midfield position.
With the possibility of Harry Kane being rested, young talent Mathys Tel is likely to lead the line for Bayern Munich as the primary forward in this encounter against FSV Mainz 05 this midweek.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ulreich; Laimer, Upamecano, Dier, Aznou; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Gnabry; Tel
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have won 21 of their last 25 matches against Mainz across all competitions, highlighting their dominant head-to-head record. Mainz have only managed to secure three victories in this period.
- Bayern have been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring 39 goals in their first 11 Bundesliga and Champions League matches combined. They have scored at least three goals in five of their last six games in all competitions.
- Mainz have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last five home games, conceding eight goals in that period. They have also lost three of their last five matches at Mewa Arena.
- Bayern Munich started the season with four consecutive away wins in all competitions. However, their recent away form has dipped slightly, with two losses, one draw, and just one victory in their last four matches on the road.
- Mainz have only produced 14 big chances in the Bundesliga so far this season, which is the third-fewest among all 18 teams. This statistic could indicate potential difficulties in creating clear goal-scoring opportunities against a Bayern side that has shown vulnerability in their recent defensive performances.
Player to Watch
Leroy Sane
The German winger has been one of Bayern Munich’s standout performers this season, consistently showcasing his attacking prowess and creative abilities. The German international has been directly involved in several of Bayern’s goals, either through scoring or assisting, and his dynamic pace and dribbling make him a constant threat on the wings.
The 28-year-old’s ability to cut inside from the flanks and unleash powerful shots with his preferred left foot has troubled opposition defences all season. Against Mainz, he will look to exploit any gaps left by their defensive line and deliver the goods for Bayern Munich, especially given the home side’s recent struggles to keep clean sheets at home.
Furthermore, Sane’s knack for turning up in big games could be vital for Bayern as they aim to advance to the next round of the DFB-Pokal. He has already proven to be a match-winner on multiple occasions, and his role in linking up with Bayern’s frontline, particularly with Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel, will be crucial in breaking down Mainz’s defensive setup. If Sane finds space to operate and gains momentum, he could play a decisive role in Bayern’s quest for another cup triumph.
Prediction
FSV Mainz 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s potent attack and quality in depth make them favourites to progress to the next round, but Mainz’s resilience and improved performances suggest they won’t be pushovers. Expect a closely contested match, with the firepower of Bayern Munich likely proving decisive to overcome FSV Mainz 05.