Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5
Best odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
New Mainz 05 manager Urs Fischer faces a daunting debut as his side travel to the Allianz Arena to take on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Sunday.
The Bavarians are flying high on a four-match winning streak, while Mainz remain winless since early November and rooted to the bottom of the table.
Bayern Munich
After a brief stumble at the end of November—drawing with Union Berlin and losing 3-1 to Arsenal in the Champions League—Bayern have roared back to form. Vincent Kompany’s men have won four straight matches, scoring 14 goals in the process. Last weekend’s 5-0 demolition of Stuttgart showcased their attacking firepower, and they followed up with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in midweek, their seventh game in 10 to feature three or more goals.
Sitting eight points clear at the summit, Bayern look untouchable as RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen struggle to keep pace. With confidence soaring, the champions aim to close out 2025 in style.
Team News
Luis Diaz is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Jamal Musiala continues his recovery from a calf fracture and is expected back in January. Sacha Boey is a doubt due to injury, but Kompany still boasts a wealth of options across the pitch.
Mainz 05
Fischer could hardly have chosen a tougher assignment for his first game in charge. Mainz are bottom of the Bundesliga, six points from safety, and have managed just one win all season, losing nine of their 13 matches. Their struggles prompted the dismissal of Bo Henriksen, and Fischer now faces the monumental task of reviving their fortunes.
A 1-1 draw with Lech Poznan in the Europa Conference League last weekend ended a three-game scoreless run, but Mainz remain fragile and short on confidence. Pulling off an upset at the Allianz Arena would rank among the greatest shocks in recent Bundesliga history.
Team News
Defensive issues persist, with Anthony Caci (thigh) and Maxim Dal (knee) sidelined, while Phillipp Mwene is a doubt. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner has missed three games with a groin problem, and midfield duo Dominik Kohr and Paul Nebel are suspended after red cards. Fischer’s options are severely limited for his first match.
Head-to-Head
Overall Record (All Competitions):
Matches Played: 36
Bayern Munich Wins: 26
Mainz Wins: 8
Draws: 2
Bayern have dominated this fixture historically, winning nearly three-quarters of the encounters.
Goals Scored:
Bayern Munich: 106
Mainz: 38
This averages almost 4 goals per game, highlighting the attacking nature of these clashes.
Recent Meetings (Last 10 Competitive Matches):
Apr 26, 2025: Bayern 3-0 Mainz
Dec 14, 2024: Mainz 2-1 Bayern
Oct 30, 2024: Mainz 0-4 Bayern
Mar 9, 2024: Bayern 8-1 Mainz
Oct 21, 2023: Mainz 1-3 Bayern
Apr 22, 2023: Mainz 3-1 Bayern
Feb 1, 2023: Mainz 0-4 Bayern
Oct 29, 2022: Bayern 6-2 Mainz
Apr 30, 2022: Mainz 3-1 Bayern
Dec 11, 2021: Bayern 2-1 Mainz
Biggest Wins:
Bayern: 8-1 (Mar 2024, Bundesliga)
Mainz: 3-1 (Apr 2023 & Apr 2022, Bundesliga)
Conclusion
Mainz fans hoping for a new-manager bounce may be disappointed. Bayern are in ruthless form, scoring freely and tightening their grip on the title race. Expect the hosts to dominate and secure a comfortable victory, with goals likely flowing once again.
Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5
Best odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport

