Bayern Munich Hosts Mainz in Crucial Bundesliga Clash

Bayern Munich is gearing up to face bottom-placed Mainz this Sunday in the Bundesliga, with hopes of widening their lead atop the standings. Following RB Leipzig’s loss to Union Berlin, Bayern has the opportunity to increase their advantage heading into the new year.

Mainz’s Urgent Need for Points

Mainz is in dire need of a victory to avoid starting 2026 at the bottom of the Bundesliga standings. Urs Fischer, making his coaching debut with Mainz in the league, will be without the services of Dominik Kohr and Paul Nebel, both sidelined due to suspensions. Additionally, captain Silvan Widmer and veteran goalkeeper Robin Zentner are unavailable due to injuries. Nadiem Amiri has also failed a late fitness assessment for the visiting side.

Bayern’s Resilience and Lineup Update

Bayern has only lost points this season against Fischer’s former team, Union Berlin. Luis Diaz, who netted a remarkable goal in the 2-2 draw earlier, is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Conversely, Alphonso Davies may make his long-anticipated return to Bundesliga action after recovering from a significant injury. Hiroki Itō, Kim Min-Jae, Tom Bischof, and Leon Goretzka are set to start for Bayern, following their midweek victory over Sporting, which secured their advancement to the Champions League knockout rounds.

Lineups for the Year-End Match at Allianz Arena

Bayern: Neuer ©; Stanišić, Ito, Kim, Bischof; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane

Mainz: Batz; da Costa, Bell ©, Maloney; Kawasaki, Sano, Potulski, Veratschnig; Lee, Hollerbach; Böving