Home game against mighty Bayern Munich will be a perfect test of Champions League ambitions for fifth-placed Mainz, who currently sit mere three points behind top 4 positions.

Meanwhile, the Bavarians are 23 points clear at the top, but that certainly does not mean they will take this game lightly.

Thomas Tuchel continues to work wonders with Mainz as his side have done brilliantly to match some of league’s best sides this season.

The Coface Arena outfit have been especially impressive since the winter break, having won five of first eight league fixtures in the New Year.

Last week’s 4-2 triumph over Hoffenheim saw them close the gap behind fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen to just three points, meaning they are effectively in the race for Champions League positions.

And while Mainz might not be able to continue the excellent run against Bayern, they look a good bet to score at 1.91 (10/11).

The problem is Thomas Tuchel’s charges have already lost at home to Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, and they clearly face an uphill task against the Bavarians.

The boss does not have fresh injury worries, although Julian Baumgartlinger and Dani Schahin remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Karius – Pospech, Bell, Noveski, Diaz – Geis, Park – N.Muller, Moritz, Choupo-Moting – Okazaki.

Bayern Munich could clinch the Bundesliga title with eight games to go if they happen to beat Mainz and Borussia Dortmund do not win at Hannover.

This should be enough incentive for Pep Guardiola’s side to take the game very seriously, although the Spanish could will again deploy a rotation policy.

After ensuring progress into the Champions League quarter-finals, Bayern recorded a 2-1 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen and are now 1.25 (1/4) favourites to defeat Mainz as well.

And having scored a total of ten goals in last two away fixtures in the league, the Bavarians are no less than 2.00 (1/1) to score three goals or more.

There will be a number of changes to the starting line-up as Pep Guardiola looks to keep all his players on their toes ahead of the business end of the season.

The likes of Franck Ribery, Thiago Alcantara, Philipp Lahm, Javi Martinez, Dante and David Alaba are all set to be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Lahm, Martinez, Dante, Alaba – Schweinsteiger, Thiago – Muller, Kroos, Ribery – Mandzukic.