Bo Henriksen’s Mainz take a break from Bundesliga action on Wednesday as they collide with Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal. The hosts have won just twice this season, but their performances at both ends of the field have been steady.
They are outperforming their xG and xGA, scoring ten from a stat of 7.96 from open play. Meanwhile, they have conceded just eight goals from open play while having an xGA of 10.95.
A switch back to a 5-3-2 formation is likely, as it has provided more defensive stability. In the 101 minutes they’ve played in this setup, Mainz has conceded only one goal, in contrast to the 12 goals allowed with a more aggressive 3-4-2-1 formation.
Henriksen will need to contend without midfielders Nadiem Amiri and Nikolas Veratschnig this weekend, meaning Kaishu Sano is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven.
Vincent Kompany has made a seamless transition to life back in Germany as a coach. Bayern Munich are setting the pace in the Bundesliga, scoring a staggering 29 goals in their first eight matches. Harry Kane is likely to be rested for the showdown this week, but the German club still have clear threats in the final third for the German Cup clash.
Bayern have averaged an xG of 17.13 so far this season.
They are outperforming the stats after netting 22 goals from open play. However, opposing sides are given chances, as Bayern have conceded an xGA of 3.67 and allowed five goals in the Bundesliga. It’s likely Bayern will dominate the ball once again on Wednesday, with João Palhinha and Joshua Kimmich deployed as the link between defence and the forwards.
Pace in the wide areas are a key factor that Mainz will need to address in this in the DFB Pokal clash, with both Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry both typically looking to cut in to take shots on their stronger left and right feet, respectively.
Bet hereEven with Kane being given a night off, Bayern Munich have the quality in the final third to run out convincing winners in Mainz.
Bayern have been the dominant force in Germany so far this season, and while the home side’s deep defensive line of five may restrict Bayern’s pacey players from having an impact when running in behind, it will give Jamal Musiala the space he requires to drive at the defensive line.
Musiala will be a key player for Bayern on Wednesday. If he is able to pick up the ball on the half turn, he could get a lot of joy when playing one-twos, and the space could enable him to have the time he requires to make sliding passes through the vulnerable Mainz central defence.
Mainz to score is an interesting betting alternative, given Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities. But, we still fully expect Kompany’s side to book their spot in the next round.
As we have mentioned, Bayern’s defence often gives their opponents a chance in the final third. Therefore, Mainz to register over 3.5 corners could be an interesting football prediction on Wednesday.
The hosts have had over 8.5 corners in 63% of their matches in the Bundesliga this season, and win an average of 4.63 corners per match in the German top-flight. Interestingly, Bayern have also conceded at least an average of two corners per match in their league outings in the 2024/25 campaign.
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