Bayern Munich vs FSV Mainz 05
Bayern Munich will look to build on their lead atop the Bundesliga this weekend when they host Mainz at the Allianz Arena, which will once again be without fans amid another Covid surge.
Bayern have dealt the 05ers some heavy defeats on their visits to Bavaria over the last few years and will be keen to pick up another comfortable win.
However, seventh-placed Mainz have been tough to break down this season, and after beating Bayern in their last meeting, they will be keen to defy the Bundesliga 2021 betting odds yet again.
Talking Points
Bayern stars possibly well-rested
Bayern Munich are back in the familiar position of being in firm control of the Bundesliga. They are now four points clear at the top of the table after their big 3-2 win over rivals Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker.
After seeing his six-match scoring run in all competitions snapped against Arminia Bielefeld, Robert Lewandowski was back among the goals with a brace. The prolific Pole, who once again missed out on the Ballon d’Or, now has 16 goals in 14 Bundesliga matches.
Bayern have been missing star midfielder Joshua Kimmich due to Covid for the last month, but he is getting close to full fitness and could make his return at home over the weekend.
Bayern still have to face Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek, although coach Julian Nagelsmann is likely to field a heavily rotated squad for the match, which has little consequence to his side.
The likes of Jamal Musiala, Niklas Sule, and former Espanyol youngster Marc Roca could all get the start against Barca, with stars Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Dayot Upamecano possibly getting a much-needed rest.
Once again, Bayern have a strong home record this season with six wins in seven games at the Allianz Arena. They have scored 23 goals in those seven games while conceding just five, tied with Mainz for the best home defensive record in the Bundesliga.
However, they will be playing without fans at home for the remainder of 2021 due to the rising Covid cases.
Mainz get back on track
After three straight disappointing Bundesliga 2021 results – back-to-back home draws against Gladbach and Koln and an away defeat to relegation strugglers Stuttgart – seventh-placed Mainz got back to winning ways last weekend with a 3-0 win over Wolfsburg.
The 05ers were already 2-0 ahead inside five minutes thanks to early strikes from Jonathan Burkhardt and Anton Stach. A Maxence Lacroix own goal in the 90th minute was the icing on the cake.
The 21-year-old Burkhardt is having a breakout season. He already has seven goals to his name – the most he has ever scored in a single campaign – in just 14 games.
Coach Bo Svensson will also be pleased that his side kept a clean sheet for the first time in nine Bundesliga matches.
Despite their recent slippage at the back, Mainz still possess the second-best defensive record in the Bundesliga with just 14 goals conceded.
However, that defence has not led to too much success away from home. They have lost four of their six Bundesliga away games, although two of those defeats have come away to Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
History
Bayern Munich have a sizable 18-5 advantage over Mainz in terms of wins over their last 25 meetings, with two draws.
Bayern have been particularly dominant at home, where they have won their last four meetings by an aggregate score of 21-3. They have scored five or more goals in each of their last three home games against Mainz.
However, Mainz did beat Bayern in their most recent meeting, which was at home in April. Jonathan Burkhardt scored in the third minute and Robin Quaison added a second as they ran out 2-1 winners.
Burkhardt scored in both meetings against Bayern last season. He also gave Mainz a first-half lead in their first match at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern stormed back from 2-0 down with five second-half goals to win 5-2.
Betting Tip
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 | Bayern Munich vs FSV Mainz 05 | Bayern Munich Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.75 |
| December 11, 22:30 (GMT+8) |
Unsurprisingly, SBOTOP odds have Bayern installed as massive 1.22 favourites to continue their home dominance over Mainz, who are priced at 9.22 to pull off another big upset against the Bavarians. Meanwhile, a draw is at 6.80.
Based on recent history coupled with the fact that many of Bayern’s star players will get some much-needed rest in midweek, the signs point to another big Bayern home win against Mainz.
The 05ers have been impressive this season and will still give it their best shot, but Bayern should be too good even with no fans to cheer them on at home.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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