Even with one player sent off, Schalke created four goal chances against Augsburg last weekend. Bayern Munich played three games in the last ten days and might have fitness problems, so I don't see them winning convincingly here.
Key Stats
- Schalke have scored in their last 14 home matches.
- Schalke have won in a +3 handicap in their last 25 matches.
- Schalke’s Moussa Sylla had 7 shots on target in his last 2 matches.
- Bayern Munich have failed to cover a –3 handicap in 4 of their last 6 matches (Bundesliga).
- Bayern Munich have seen BTTS in their last 7 matches (including pre-season).
Bavarians Dominate Head-to-Head
Bayern Munich have won 70 out of 119 head-to-head matches against the Gelsenkirchen side, while Schalke have 20 victories.
Home Premiere Match for Schalke
After a three-year absence, Schalke have finally returned to the German top flight, earning promotion earlier this summer. They dominated 2. Bundesliga, winning the league eight points ahead of Elversberg.
The Miners had a rocky start to the new campaign, needing extra-time to eliminate a tier three side Hallescher 5-2. Veteran Edin Dzeko saved the day, netting two goals.
Schalke were beaten in the Bundesliga opening round last weekend at Augsburg 3-0, but had 2.10 expected goals and 11 shots. Striker Moussa Sylla missed two huge chances to get on the scoresheet.
Bayern off to a Strong Start
Michael Olise carried Bayern Munich in their season-opening match against Borussia Dortmund in the Super Cup, registering one goal and one assist in a 2-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park.
Vincent Kompany's side also had an amazing start to the new Bundesliga season, crushing Stuttgart 5-1 at Allianz Arena last Friday.
The Bavarians used their almost strongest lineup in mid-week against a tier-two side Osnabruck and won 4-1 to advance in the German Cup. Harry Kane netted a brace, Olise and Tom Bischof also on target.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Schalke (3-4-2-1) Loris Karius; Timo Becker, Nikola Katic, Hasan Kurucay; Dejan Ljubicic, Soufiane El-Faouzi, Satoshi Tanaka, Vitalie Becker; Adil Aouchiche, Junior Adamu; Moussa Sylla
Ron Schallenberg is suspended for the home side, while Kenan Karaman is out with hip injury. Adrian Gantenbein, and Ayman Gulasi are doubtful. Veteran Edin Dzeko is likely to start on bench.
Ron Schallenberg is suspended for the home side, while Kenan Karaman is out with hip injury. Adrian Gantenbein, and Ayman Gulasi are doubtful. Veteran Edin Dzeko is likely to start on bench.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1) Manuel Neuer; Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Michael Olise, Ismael Saibari, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane
Jamal Musiala had neurological problems in the last couple of weeks, but latest tests shown he is capable of playing. Serge Gnabry remains ruled out with a long-term injury, as well as Maycon Cardozo.
Jamal Musiala had neurological problems in the last couple of weeks, but latest tests shown he is capable of playing. Serge Gnabry remains ruled out with a long-term injury, as well as Maycon Cardozo.