Bayern Munich vs Mainz
German Bundesliga
Date: Saturday, 31 August 2019
Kick-off at 14:30 UK/ 15:30 CET
Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich).
TEAM NEWS
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich had the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski to thank as he scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory at Schalke last Saturday to secure the champions' first league win of the season
New signing Philippe Coutinho made his debut as a 57th-minute substitute against Schalke and could play from the start this time, with Thomas Muller the most likely to make way.
Midfield duo Leon Goretzka and Thiago Alcantara returned to full training on Thursday and should be available, while Lucas Hernandez should keep his place in defence after impressing on his Bundesliga debut.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Sule, Hernandez, Alaba; Thiago Alcantara, Tolisso; Gnabry, Philippe Coutinho, Coman; Lewandowski
Unavailable:
Doubtful: Arp (Illness), Goretzka (Injured), Thiago Alcantara (Injured)
MAINZ
Mainz 05 have had a miserable start to the season, losing to third-tier Kaiserslautern in the cup before defeats to Freiburg and Borussia M'gladach in their first two league matches.
Centre-back Jeremiah St. Juste is likely to miss out again having only trained partially this week, so Alexander Hack is set to partner Moussa Niakhate at the back again.
With Ji Dong-Wong and Jean-Philippe Mateta currently sidelined, the re-signing of striker Adam Szalai from Hoffenheim is a welcome boost for coach Sandro Schwarz, who is likely to hand him a full debut.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Muller; Brosinski, Hack, Niakhate, Aaron Martin; Malong, Fernandes, Latza; Boetius, Szalai, Quaison
Unavailable: Mwene (Injured), Bell (Injured), Mateta (Injured), Seydel (Injured), Ji Dong-Wong (Injured)
Doubtful: St. Juste (Injured)
Bayern Munich vs Mainz Prediction
Mainz has lost all of their games so far in the season and conceded two or more goals in every match so far. In return, they have managed just a single goal on opposition nets. On top of that, they have lost 11 of their former 12 away ties and failed to score in seven of their last ten.
On the other hand, we have the best side in Germany, at their home. They have won 17 of their last 19 home ties and scored two or more goals in eight of their prior ten appearances here.
To top it off, Bayern has a fantastic h2h record against this opponent. In fact, at this ground, the combined scorecard for the last two h2h clashes is 10-0, in favor of the hosts.
As such, expect a one-sided victory for this match-day too.
Bayern Munich vs Mainz Betting Tips
To Score in Both Halves: Bayern Munich @ 1.44 (4/9)
To Win Both Halves: Bayern Munich @ 1.75 (3/4).
