Bayern Munich face Mainz at Allianz Arena on Saturday, Sept. 16. Here’s all the info you need to watch.
Bayern Munich dropped their first game of the Bundesliga season, 2-0 to Hoffenheim. Tuesday, Bayern hosted Anderlecht and beat the Belgian champions 3-0. Bayern host 13th-place Mainz on Saturday. Mainz started the season with two straight losses but defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 last week.
Following the loss to Hoffenheim, Robert Lewandowski came out and criticized the club for its lack of spending in comparison to the biggest clubs in Europe. Carlo Ancelotti is signed through next season, but there is speculation that he might not last the season. Hoffenheim’s Julian Nagelsmann has beaten Bayern two games in a row and teams might start to copy their style of play. Hoffenheim sat back and forced Bayern to the outside, preventing Bayern from making direct attacks down the middle of the field.
Bayern started the majority of their regulars against Anderlecht but decided to keep Mats Hummels on the bench. Defensively, Bayern will get a boost, as Jerome Boateng made his first appearance of the season as a substitute. After not playing Tuesday, or coming on late as subs, Thomas Muller, Sebastian Rudy, Arturo Vidal, Boateng, and Hummels will likely draw into the lineup on Saturday as Ancelotti rotates his squad.
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Mainz entered the season as a potential relegation team but looked significantly better in their last game. Sandro Schwarz’s side scored all three of their goals last week against Leverkusen. Levin Oztunali played well for Mainz, setting up two goals. Veteran German keeper Rene Adler made the decision to leave Hamburg on a free transfer. Adler was once the first choice keeper for Germany but a rib injury prevented him from playing in South Africa. The injury opened the door for Bayern’s Manuel Neuer, who has been the first choice ever since. Against Bayern, Adler will have to deal with a high number of shots and crosses. If Adler has a poor game, Mainz could be blown out.
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The Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Mainz will be broadcast on FS1. Live streaming is available on Fox Sports Go, which you can access with your cable or satellite subscription, either online or through their app.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 16
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Location: Munich, Germany
Stadium: Allianz Arena
TV info: FS1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, Fubo.TV
Bayern defeated Mainz 3-1 away from home but had to settle for a 2-2 draw in Munich last year.