Bayern Munich opens their 2021 campaign with hopes of extending their league at the top of the table this weekend. The side welcomes Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena this Sunday with kickoff at 8 pm.
The visitors travel on Sunday with hopes of changing their current state with their relegation battles becoming a nightmare. Bayern head into the match on the back of a 1-2 win against Bayer Leverkusen.
2020 prove a historic year for Bayern Munich, who picked up the Champions League trophy, Bundesliga, and German Cup treble. However, Hani Flick will not cherish their past triumphs ahead of the New Year clash.
The side ended 2020 in style with Lewandowski with a last-minute strike securing a crucial 2-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen. The next ten opponents for Bayern are currently not occupying the top seven places in the table. Hence, Flick will be looking to open a sizeable gap at the top of the table to pick up their ninth successive league title.
On the other hand, Mainz has only one win in their last 13 league matches this season as they languish from the bottom and five points above the relegation zone. Achim Beierlorzer was sacked earlier this campaign the side-parted ways with Jan-Moritz Litche over the Christmas period. The side continues with their struggles to find form and survive this season.
Bayern Munich vs. Mainz 05 Head to Head
Both sides have 23 games against each other, with Bayern with 17 wins while Mainz with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich 2-1 Wolfsburg
Union Berlin 1-1 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich 2-0 Lokomotiv Moscow
Bayern Munich 3-3 RB Leipzig
Away
Mainz 2-2 Bochum
Mainz 0-1 Werder Bremen
Hertha BSC 0-0 Mainz
Mainz 0-1 Koln
Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 Mainz
Bayern Munich Team News
Before the winter break, Flick welcomed Alphonse Davies and Joshua Kimmich. Leon Grotezka returns to a muscular injury, which saw the midfielder miss a couple of games. Javi Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and Tanguy Nianzou are unlikely to feature due to injuries.
Mainz 05 Team News
Siwertz could welcome midfielder Levin Oztunali back to the matchday squad, seemingly no injury concerns for Mainz to contend with. Mateta and Quaison will lead the attacking line, with former Huddersfield boss deploying a counter-attack strategy.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage league champions kickstarting their New Year’s clash with a triumphant win against an out of form side.
Bayern Munich Win
Goals Over 3.5
Away: No Score
