Preview: Bavarians looking to extend lead at the top
With Borussia Dortmund dropping points before the international week with a loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Guardiola’s men pounced at their rivals’ misfortune to go on top of the league with a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern remain undefeated in the league and their draw against Leverkusen was only the second time Die Roten dropped points in the league this season.
With players returning back from their respective injuries, Pep Guardiola has an almost fully fit squad to his expense with a host of world class players vying for limited positions, something the Spanish tactician is eagerly looking forward to.
"I am convinced that we will be even better when all the players are fit," said the Bayern Munich boss.
However the former Barcelona manager has issued a warning to his players to accept his words or else face the axe.
"But we will only be in the hunt for titles at the end of the season if each player accepts my decisions in this great squad.”
"Otherwise, we have problems. I am a great friend of my players when they accept what I say. I support those who accept my decisions but those who do not want to understand will sit in the stands. I say again: we need all of our players."
Bastian Schweinsteiger who represented Germany for the 100th time in their final World Cup Qualification match against Sweden has gained full fitness and his international and club teammate Mario Gotze who scored a stunning goal against Sweden as the Germans made a heroic comeback against Sweden is also close to full fitness.
And fellow German youngster Toni Kroos has backed his teammate to produce the performances which the 21 year old is capable of.
"After a long time he feels fit again," said Kroos speaking of Mario Gotze
"For him the injury was difficult, just because he's at a new club where he wants to show, of course, where he wants to play. I'm happy for him and hope he stays fit now."
Mainz who began the 2013/2014 in a peculiar fashion winning the first three of their league fixtures have just earned a single point in their last five matches. Their recent slump in form has seen them slide down to 11th position in the table.
In their last outing, Thomas Tuchel’s men scored a hard fought victory against Hoffenheim with two late goals from Choupo-Moting and Malli.
Mainz’s 26 year old winger Nicolai Muller has been their star player so far having scored half of his side’s league goals. His six goals in the campaign have made him the joint top scorer of the German league however his past five matches for his club have yielded just two goals. The former Greuther Fürth man will be looking to redeem himself as his side faces the mighty Bayern.
Mainz will be without Julian Koch and Niko Bungert, however defender Bo Svensson could return to the squad but is likely to start on the bench. A fit again Julian Baumgartlinger could also start in the middle of the park alongside Johannes Geis.
Bayern were dealt with a blow with Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri being ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury, whereas Holger Badstuber and Thiago Alcántara remain long term absentees.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Bayern Munich vs Mainz 05 live on Saturday, October 19, 2013:
In USA at 9:30 ET on Gol TV USA
Fans based in Germany can watch the match live on Sky Go, Sky Bundesliga 1 and many other channels.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Bayern Munich vs Mainz 05 match page.
