Mainz vs. FC Bayern preview: Can the hosts trouble the Bavarians again?

Bayern Munich travel to Mainz 05 on Saturday for a Matchday 9 Bundesliga fixture at the MEWA Arena. The league leaders are aiming to bounce back after drawing four of their last eight competitive matches, most recently drawing against Borussia Dortmund. Mainz enter the match seeking to break out of a slump after losing four of their last five competitive fixtures, including a 4-1 defeat to SV Elversberg.

Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks will oversee the visitors as Vincent Kompany remains absent. Manuel Neuer has returned to training and is expected to start, while Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, and Serge Gnabry remain sidelined. Mainz will be forced to adjust their defense due to suspensions for Stefan Posch and Phillipp Mwene.