Dynamo Dresden vs Schalke – News and Probable Lineups

Schalke 04 is in dire need of a break from their struggles in the Bundesliga as they prepare to take on second-tier Dynamo Dresden at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion during the DFB-Pokal’s second round.

SGD aims to uplift their spirits against a well-known opponent, while Die Knappen seeks their first victory in five outings.

Match overview

Thomas Stamm’s Dresden side is facing challenges in the 2.Bundesliga, but despite being close to the relegation zone, they will be eager to perform in midweek.

SGD managed to draw 2-2 with Schalke in February’s clash in the second tier, staging a comeback from two goals down as Hasan Kurucay’s own goal and Thomas Keller’s 87th-minute header equalized Edin Dzeko’s brace.

However, on Sunday, Stamm’s team faced a heavy 3-0 defeat to Holstein Kiel, meaning they have secured victory only once in their last seven matches.

Moreover, Dynamo suffered four losses during this period, which stretches back to their 6-0 win over Westfalia Rhynern in the DFB-Pokal’s first round in August.

On a brighter note, some optimistic supporters might point out that SGD has won two of their four home games this season at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, keeping clean sheets on each occasion, including a 2-0 success against Magdeburg on October 18.

Meanwhile, Miron Muslic’s Schalke have faced difficulties since their promotion to the Bundesliga, yet facing one of their past lower-division rivals offers a golden chance to lift team spirits with a win.

Die Knappen played to a goalless draw against FC Koln on Saturday, a match that was frustrating as Robin Gosens and Soufiane El-Faouzi were injured in a clash provoked by Said El Mala, who escaped punishment from the match officials.

On a positive note, the draw prevented Muslic’s team from experiencing a third consecutive defeat, having lost 2-1 to Freiburg and 1-0 to Mainz 05 in the previous two matches.

Nevertheless, Schalke has now gone winless since their 3-1 victory over Union Berlin on September 11, which stands as their only triumph in the top flight up to now.

With this in mind, advancing to the third round could provide a psychological advantage before the visitors return to Bundesliga competition, especially if they can replicate their attacking display that saw them net three extra-time goals against Hallescher in their 5-2 first-round victory.

Team News

Dynamo will be thin in defense this week, as Thomas Keller is nursing physical discomfort, Kenneth Schmidt is rehabilitating from a cruciate ligament injury, and fellow center-back Lars Bunning is recovering following emergency surgery related to a brain hemorrhage over the summer.

In their absence, Nicolai Rapp and Friedrich Muller may step in to fill the roles in the hosts’ defense, with full-backs Jonas Sterner and Simon Straudi on either flanks.

As for Schalke, they will be without left wing-back Robin Gosens (head lacerations) and midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi (broken nose) following their collision during the match against Koln after Said El Mala’s push.

This incident only adds to an already extensive injury list, which includes Maximilian Wober (thigh), Ron Schallenberg (leg), Kenan Karaman (muscle), Dejan Ljubicic (knee), and Moussa Sylla (leg).

To cover these absences, Muslic may opt for Vitalie Becker as left wing-back, with Janik Bachmann in the midfield alongside Satoshi Tanaka and Adil Aouchiche.

Dynamo Dresden probable starting XI:

scribe; Sterner, Rapp, Muller, Straudi; Wagner, Raschl; Covic, Captain, Bobzien; Vermeij

Schalke 04 probable starting XI:

Karius; Ebimba, Becker, Katic, Kurucay, Becker; Bachmann, Tanaka, Aouchiche; Adam, Hwang

Dynamo is a notable underdog due to their lower division standing and their current difficulties in the second tier.

Schalke is eager for a victory as they strive to gain momentum for their Bundesliga campaign, and they will feel hopeful against a familiar adversary.