DFB Pokal: Mainz 05 vs Bayern Munich: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

On Wednesday night, the MEWA Arena will host the DFB Pokal Round of 16 clash as struggling Bavarians make a trip to Rhineland.

Mainz comes into this match against Bayern Munich with much-refurbished hopes after a streak of winless games. Which almost saw them getting dragged into a relegation battle in the Bundesliga. A 5-2 victory over VfB Bochum now sees them sitting at 11th in the table. Die Nullfunfer have never clinched this elusive trophy and a tie like this will not come in handy for Svensson and his men. The last time in DFB Pokal, they managed to pick up a 3-0 victory away at VfB Lubeck. From the courtesy of a first-half strike by Alexander Hack, followed by goals from Marcus Ingvartsen and Aymen Barkok in the second half.

Bayern on the other hand has really found it tough to get going in recent weeks. Their lead at the top of the table was cut to a solitary point after Randal Kolo-Muani scored in the 69th minute for Eintracht Frankfurt. This handed Bayern three consecutive draws in the Bundesliga since its return from the World Cup. The position of Julian Nagelsmann has been under scrutiny in recent weeks and nothing more than a win will come to his cause. With a huge Champions League clash up on the horizon against PSG, Bayern signs Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on loan given the current injury in their flanks. Bayern demolished Augsburg by 5-2 the last time they were in action in DFB Pokal.

Kick-off: Thursday, 2nd February, 01:15 pm (IST), 07:45 pm: (GMT), Wednesday, 1st February

Mainz 05 form (all competition): W-L-D-D-L

Bayern Munich form (all competition): D-D-D-D-W

Player to watch

Mainz 05

Marcus Ingvartsen

The striker from Denmark has been the most potent threat for Bo Svensson in front of goal since his arrival from Union Berlin. A player also not recognized much in terms of abilities, he has that physical ability and is a danger in terms of set pieces. He has already scored 7 times in 14 appearances for Die Nullfunfer this season.

Bayern Munich

Jamal Musiala

Musiala is an extremely versatile midfielder who has already proven himself in both wide and central positions. He already has 12 goals and 10 assists in his name in the ongoing campaign. He is likely going to be a menace for Leitsch and Hack in the opposition defence.

Match facts

• Mainz have never made it to the final of the DFB Pokal. They only reached the semi-final stage back in the 2008-09 campaign. When they were also promoted to Bundesliga.
• Bayern Munich are a record 21-time holder of this elusive German trophy.
• The last time they faced each other, Bayern Munich thrashed their opponents by 6-2 at the Allianz Arena. From the courtesy of six different scorers in the Bundesliga.

Injury and team news

Anton Stach and Marcus Ingvartsen will be in the prime position to start for Svensson as their attacking pair have been viable throughout this season. The likes of Robin Zentner (back), Delano Burgzorg (ankle), Jonathan Burkardt (knee) and Marlon Mustapha (thigh) will remain on the sidelines due to their respective injuries. Maxim Leitsch is the most probable option to replace Stefan Bell who was replaced in their fixture against VfB Bochum due to a muscle injury.

Bayern Munich have suffered a horrible set of injuries which has been a prime factor in their topsy-turvy run in recent weeks. Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez, Sadio Mane, Noussair Mazraoui and Bouna Sarr will all also be missing the trip with Daley Blind seemingly being the only option for Nagelsmann to start. It will be his first appearance for The Bavarians if he makes it to the first XI. A place for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel is also expected who scored earlier against Mainz this season.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 36

Mainz 05: 6

Draws: 3

Bayern Munich: 27

Predicted lineup

Mainz 05 predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Dahmen; Hanche-Olsen, Leitsch, Hack; Da Costa, Stach, Barreiro, Caricol; Fulgini, Ingvartsen; Onisiwo

Bayern Munich predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Ulreich; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Blind; Sabitzer, Gravenberch; Gnabry, Musiala, Coman; Tel

Prediction

An upset is highly unlikely as Bayern Munich are not expected to squander any chances of giving up on this trophy even though they have not been at their peak in recent weeks. A tough fight is expected from Svensson’s men given the current circumstances but we predict that the quality in the ranks of the Bavarians will just be cutting edge at the end of the day in this fixture.

Prediction:  Mainz 05 1-3 Bayern Munich

Telecast

India - Sony Ten 2 HD

UK - Star, Star +, Sky Sports

USA - ESPN+

Nigeria - Sporty TV