Bayern Munich quickly bounced back from their elimination from the German Cup, having defeated Heidenheim 4–2 in the Bundesliga earlier this week and followed up with a 5–1 Champions League win against Shakhtar. This Saturday, they have the chance to mathematically secure first place in the Bundesliga standings until the start of 2025, provided they avoid defeat in their away match against Mainz in the 14th round of the German championship.Bayern have lost three of their last 4 Bundesliga games in Mainz. FCB haven’t lost as many away games at any other club in this competition since the start of the 2020/21 season. #M05FCB pic.twitter.com/R1NVHQtFvp— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 14, 2024 However, in recent years, this has proven to be a challenging task for the Bavarians. In their last four Bundesliga visits to the MEWA Arena, Bayern have suffered three defeats. They lost 2–1 in April 2021, 3–1 in April 2022, and again 3–1 in April 2023. Mainz’s impressive streak was broken in October last year when they lost 3–1. Earlier this season, Bayern visited Mainz in the German Cup in late October, securing a dominant 4–0 victory, with Jamal Musiala scoring a hat-trick.Bayern’s unmatched numbers to respect: Turnover – over a billion euros, debt – 0!Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, faces a challenge this time, as he can only rely on half the squad that triumphed a month and a half ago. Due to injuries, João Palhinha, Serge Gnabry, Manuel Neuer, and top scorer Harry Kane are unavailable, while Alphonso Davies, amid ongoing contract renewal talks, will also not feature.”Kane and the other injured players will not return for the Mainz match. I’ll have only the players who played against Shakhtar available. When I look at the injury challenges this team has faced in the past, our goal must be to minimize risks. It’s not surprising to have several injuries at this stage of the season. We’re fortunate that the break is approaching, as we know we won’t have a June break. It will be crucial to use this time to recover, not just physically but mentally as well,” Kompany stated.Alphonso Davies’ downfall: drunk driving, underperforming…After 13 matches, Bayern remain the only unbeaten team in the Bundesliga with 10 wins and 3 draws. Their closest rival, Eintracht Frankfurt, trails by six points. Meanwhile, Mainz sits ninth in the standings with 19 points, having had their three-game winning streak snapped last week in a 4–3 loss to Wolfsburg.BUNDESLIGA – MATCHDAY 13FridayFreiburg – Wolfsburg 3-2 (1-0)/Kubler 42, 51, Gregoritsch 61 – Wind 75, Svanberg 83/Saturday17:30: (6.00) Augsburg (4.00) Leverkusen (1.57)17:30: (1.47) M’ gladbach (4.40) Holstein Kiel (6.75)17:30: (6.50) Mainz (4.50) Bayern (1.53)17:30: (1.62) Union Berlin (3.80) Bochum (6.75)20:30: (2.70) St.Pauli (3.40) Werder (2.75)Sunday17:30: (4.40) Heidenheim (3.60) Stuttgart (1.83)19:30: (1.47) Dortmund (4.60) Hoffenheim (6.50)21:30: (2.20) RB Leipzig (3.60) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.40)***odds are subject to change***
