Bundesliga: Bayern's Hopes of a Comeback Lie at Mainz

FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are used to being the big dogs of the German top flight. They have reigned as kings for the better part of the decade and have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse club both in domestic and European club football.

With that being said, it is definitely odd for many Bayern fans and neutral to see their beloved club situated at a spot that is not the top of the league. There are three clubs ahead of them in the Bundesliga table, and their bitter rivals are enjoying life at the position they have called home for the past six seasons.

Fortunately for them, it’s still the season’s early days and there’s plenty of time for them to mount a return to form. They can start their campaign back to the top when they head to the Opel Arena and lock horns with FSV Mainz 05.

Talking Points

This has been said once and this will be repeated like a broken record for the entirety of the season: Bayern Munich have no business losing in their domestic competitions because they have one of the most talented squads you can find on the face of the Earth.

They still have one of the best keepers in the world in Manuel Neuer. They have a stellar defensive line that stars Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba, Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule. They have quality wingers and midfielders to provide dominance in the middle of the pitch. Moreover, their investments in young players such as Renato Sanches is beginning to bear fruit. The breakout star of Portugal’s 2016 Euro squad is making Bundesliga 2018 news with his growing importance in Niko Kovac’s squad.

However, the problem that plagued the defending champions was the fact that they couldn’t buy a goal without struggling for it. It was evident in their 0-3 home loss to Borussia Monchengladbach before the October international break as Robert Lewandowski and the rest of the team’s attacking core weren’t able to buy themselves space to even seriously threaten the Gladbach stopper.

Bundesliga: Robert Lewandowski helps Bayern Munich defeat Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena — Bayern Munich Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Wolfsburg

It was easy to blame the club’s winless streak over the past month to Robert Lewandowski’s forays into the transfer market last season. It was obvious even to the uninitiated football fan that there was something off with the way the forward was moving on the pitch for both club and country during the past four weeks.

The 30-year-old forward — who is currently leading the champions with his five Bundesliga goals — cleared the air and insisted that his long-term future is with the club and its successes in domestic and international competitions.

Of course, words can only do so much for Bayern’s fantastic ace striker. They need to make a statement to the rest of the Bundesliga after Borussia Dortmund put on a show against a valiant Stuttgart defence. Lewandowski needs to don his shooting boots again. Thomas Muller also needs to pull his weight and make an impact either as a forward or as a raumdeuter. James Rodriguez should start this game and orchestrate from the middle of the pitch.

They wouldn’t have much of a problem when it comes to handling Mainz on the attacking front. After all, their top scorer is Anthony Ujah, and he scored two of the team’s four goals. The backline should have no problem in dealing with a team that is severely lacking in creativity and fangs on the attack.

However, they must be determined enough to beat Mainz at the Opel Arena. Die Nullfunfer haven’t lost at home this season, and they have one of the youngest sides in the league with an average age of 24.6 years. This team is more than ready to run and press the attacking Bayern players.

If Niko Kovac’s men approach this game with anything other than a serious determination, they might find the rug swept under their feet.

History

Prior history points as to why the Bavarians are heavy favourites to triumph over Mainz. Of the 25 games the two sides played, 18 of them were won by the mighty Bayern. Moreover, They have scored an impressive 31 goals at Mainz’ home grounds. Meanwhile, the hosts have only won four times and drew three.

Their recent encounters also point to a sweeping Bayern victory, with their September 2017 meeting ending in a 4-0 rout in favour of Bayern Munich. However, eight of the nine points Mainz have earned this season were won at home.

I won’t be surprised if the Opel Arena has become a fortress that even Bayern Munich will find difficulty beating.

Betting Tip

	FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Bayern Munich	FSV Mainz 05 Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.02
	October 27, 21:30 (GMT+8)

Mainz have been a tough nut to crack at home, and I think they should be able to mount a fierce resistance to Bayern. Of course, I still think Bayern Munich will be able to stomp their hosts, but I don’t see them clicking into full gear just yet.

Given Mainz’s defensive stability at the moment, I see the game ending in a one-goal victory for Bayern with Mainz attempting a late equaliser at the end of the 90 minutes. The +1.75 Asian Handicap at SBOBET offers an intriguing reward of 2.02.

There are also other interesting Bundesliga 2018 odds if you want to be risky. Over 3.25 Goals is at 2.05 if you think it can end in a 2-2 stalemate. However, the Total Goal market offers the best chances of winning, in my opinion: 2-3 Total Goals is given an attractive 2.11.