FC Bayern is playing away today against FSV Mainz 05 and aims not only to remain undefeated in the Bundesliga but also to secure a victory. Despite ongoing personnel issues, Bayern heads to Mainz as the favorite.
After their 2-0 midweek win at Atlético Madrid, the record champions have momentum on their side. A win in Mainz would mean that Bayern would enter the international break as league leaders. And that, of course, is clearly the goal.
However, things haven’t always gone well for the record champions in Mainz. Of their last six Bundesliga away games against the Rheinhessen side, FCB has lost four. That’s a record they now aim to improve.
At the pre-match press conference, Kompany’s stand-in, Aaron Danks, kept his cards close to his chest regarding the lineup but hinted that changes are possible.
Bayern rotates its lineup in Mainz
In particular, Alphonso Davies, who was sidelined with a long-term injury until the summer, has been playing more frequently lately and can’t start every three days. Danks left his participation open. Meanwhile, Aleksandar Pavlović had returned to training, raising hopes that he might play.
But there were also a few other unanswered questions: Who will make up the center-back pairing? Will Lennart Karl, who worked hard and scored a goal in the recent match in Madrid, start again this Saturday? These questions have now been answered, as the lineup has been announced.
Manuel Neuer is in goal, making him the oldest Bayern player ever to take the field. With this appearance, Neuer surpasses Bernd Dreher’s record. In central defense, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah remain the pairing, just as they were in Madrid. Pavlovic moves into the starting lineup, replacing Tom Bischof. Nathaniel Brown starts in place of Alphonso Davies.
Bayern’s lineup at a glance
Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic – Kimmich, Pavlovic – Olise, Karl, Brown – Kane