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Mainz vs. Bayern Munich: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

bundesliga.com, 23 April 2021, 09:30
Robert Lewandowski is primed to return for Bayern Munich as the record champions chase the win that would seal a ninth successive Bundesliga title in Mainz on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm GMT+2).

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Few would have given Mainz a prayer of putting Bayern's celebrations on ice a few months back, but the 05ers have improved dramatically under the tutelage of former defender Bo Svensson. The Carnival club have picked up 25 points from a possible 45 under the Dane, compared to six from 14 before his arrival. They're unbeaten in six - winning their last two against lowly Cologne and Werder Bremen - and begin the weekend with a five-point cushion on the relegation play-off spot in 13th place. Adam Szalai is expected to retain his place after scoring his first Bundesliga goal in over a year against Bremen. Jonathan Burkardt could get the nod over Karim Onisiwo to partner the Hungary international in attack, but Danny da Costa is still unavailable on personal grounds. Daniel Brosinski should continue in the Eintracht Frankfurt loanee's stead at right-wing-back.

The Mainz teamsheet with be of little concern to Bayern - if only Svensson & Co. could say the same about the visitors'. After suffering a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with Poland at the end of March, Lewandowski returned to full team training in midweek. The 32-year-old has struck 35 times in the Bundesliga this season, and needs six more to break Bayern icon Gerd Müller's single-season scoring record of 40. With only four games left for the word's best striker to do it in, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting - on target in the wins over Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen - will have no qualms making way. Hansi Flick could also welcome back midfielder Leon Goretzka to the starting line-up, in a move that would likely see David Alaba revert to centre-half at the expense of Lucas Hernandez. Leroy Sane is vying for Jamal Musiala's place in attack as Bayern close in on their 30th Bundesliga crown.

Match stats

Mainz (W4, D2) are enjoying their longest run without loss since November-December 2015 (W3, D3).

Svensson made 90 appearances for Mainz as a player between 2009 and 2014, and featured in three wins over Bayern.

Mainz haven't beaten Bayern since a 2-1 win at the Allianz Arena in 2015/16, their sole victory from the last 18 meetings between the two (P18, W1, D2, L15).

Bayern have scored 20 times across the last four fixtures with Mainz, winning by scores of 6-0, 6-1, 3-1 and 5-2.

The record champions have picked up all three points from all of their last eight visits to the Opel Arena, scoring at least twice on each occasion.

Lewandowski has found the back of the net 18 times in 20 appearances against Mainz and scored in each of the last four fixtures.

Probable line-ups

Mainz: Zentner - St. Juste, Bell, Niakhate (c) - Brosinski, Barreiro, Kohr, Mwene - Boetius - Burkardt, Szalai

Out: Kilian (thigh)

Doubtful: da Costa (personal reasons), Nebel (foot)

Coach: Bo Svensson

Bayern: Neuer (c) - Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies - Kimmich, Goretzka - Sane, Müller, Coman - Lewandowski

Out: Costa (metatarsal), Tolisso (thigh)

Doubtful: Gnabry (match fitness), Hoffmann (knee), Roca (knee), Süle (thigh)

Coach: Hansi Flick

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