Kane aiming for record, Müller on verge of milestone: The facts ahead of FC Bayern vs. Mainz

Saturday's home game against 1. FSV Mainz 05 could herald an early decision in the title race: FC Bayern are on the verge of being crowned German champions for the 34th time. After last week's 4-0 win at Heidenheim and Bayer 04 Leverkusen's 1-1 draw at FC St. Pauli, they now have an eight-point lead over their closest rivals. Mathematically, the title could be secured as early as this weekend - provided that Bayern win and Leverkusen drop a point in the parallel match against FC Augsburg. For head coach Vincent Kompany, it would be the crowning glory of a very impressive maiden season in the Bundesliga.

Strong home record against Mainz - revenge for the reverse fixture?

The reverse fixture against the Zerofivers should prove to be particularly motivating for FCB: Bayern lost 2-1 at Mainz in December - one of only two defeats in the current Bundesliga season (the other being a 3-2 loss to Bochum). In their own stadium, however, the stats clearly speak in FCB's favour: they've won all of their last seven Bundesliga home games against Mainz. The last encounter at the Allianz Arena even ended in a spectacular 8-1 win for the men from Munich.

Bayern with top stats on the way to the title

The record champions' dominance is also underlined by a look at their record this season: with 22 wins, six draws and just two defeats after 30 matchdays, FC Bayern have already amassed 72 points - the same amount as in the whole of last season. The last time they suffered just two defeats was in the 2016/17 campaign under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Bayern have set the benchmark not only in the table, but also in terms of match stats. No team in the Bundesliga has won more balls high up the pitch (291) or created more pressing sequences (437). Remarkably, Mainz are right behind the Reds in both categories (258 high ball wins, 405 pressing sequences).

Clean sheets and individual records

The 4-0 win at Heidenheim saw FC Bayern's 13th clean sheet of the Bundesliga season - a league record shared with RB Leipzig. It was goalkeeper Jonas Urbig's sixth Bundesliga appearance and his first game without conceding. The 21-year-old keeper once again impressed with his demeanour, composure on the ball and an outstanding save.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane continues to dazzle up front: the England captain has set a new record with 60 goals in his first 60 Bundesliga appearances. The 31-year-old also has the chance to become the first player in Bundesliga history to become the top scorer in both of his first two seasons. Kane currently leads the way with 24 goals ahead of Leverkusen's Patrik Schick (18).

Michael Olise has also been showing his attacking prowess on a regular basis: the winger delivered his 11th assist in the most recent match - the most of any player in the league. Since the start of detailed data recording (2004/05), only one new FC Bayern player has provided as many assists in a single season: James Rodríguez in the 2017/18 campaign.

Müller on the verge of a historic Milestone

Thomas Müller is on the verge of celebrating a very special milestone. The veteran could make his 500th Bundesliga appearance on Saturday - all of which have been for FC Bayern. Only three players prior to him have reached this landmark for a single club: Charly Körbel (602 appearances for Frankfurt), Manfred Kaltz (581 for HSV) and Michael ‘Ata’ Lameck (518 for Bochum). Another milestone in an illustrious career.

Mainz highs and lows

A look at the respective defences of both teams shows: FC Bayern have conceded the fewest first-half goals in the Bundesliga this season (11), while Mainz have conceded the fewest in the second half (17). With a total of 36 goals conceded, the Zerofivers boast the third-best defence in the league - on a par with St. Pauli - behind FCB (29) and Leverkusen (35).

However, things are not going well for the side from the Rhine at the moment: Mainz have not won in their last five games (three draws, two defeats). They've also failed to keep a clean sheet in seven league outings. Nevertheless, with 47 points after 30 games, FSV are enjoying their second-best Bundesliga campaign and are battling for a European spot; only in 2010/11 under Thomas Tuchel did they have more points after 30 games (48).

Check out how the run-in looks for FC Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen: