FSV Mainz 05 - Bayern München

The starts was average as they was not able to came into the EL Group phase. After this the season started better and they was on a good way but in the last games they showed nothing special and they had a lot of problems in defensive and also in offensive. They are not so strong as to begin and this is maybe only one man who was the key for them. With Hofmann who came on loan from Dortmund was Mainz much better and he was their key player. After he got injured the problems arrived in Mainz. Against Bayern it is clear that they want to play more defensive minded and also bring one more defensive player in the starting lineup. This can be a defensive line with 5 defenders and a compact midfield with only one striker up front.

Bayern is rolling through the league and they are overcoming all their opponents easy. Of course the potential is huge and the players in their squad are great. In the last weeks Rode did a great job and he is fresh and have the power to walk on while the others have some problems above all in last game against a very defensive playing Freiburg. The batteries are empty but they have to go one time for the win and invest all they have available then they can go into a well deserved break to fresh up and come back stronger again. With Lewandoswki, Alonso and Benatia have they some players doubtful. For them Boating, Shakiri and Schweinsteiger can come into the starting lineup. As mentioned this is the last time Ribery, Robben, Götze and Müller have to push in offensive while the defensive should have not problems against a very limited Mainz offense.

Statistic:

- Against no other team lost Mainz so often as to Bayern Munich (11 times).
- And they conceded a lot of goals too with 43.
- Bayern conceded only 3 goals in the first 16 league matches this season.
- This is a new record for Bayern, former hero was VfB Stuttgart with 4 goals in Season 03/04.
- Mainz did not win since 8 league games and they scored less (6) as to begin of the season (12).
- They conceded also more (14) as to begin of the season (7).
- Both teams are the only one in BL who conceded not a single goal after counter attacks.