FC Cologne vs Schalke – News and Probable Lineups

In an effort to secure their position away from the Bundesliga relegation zone, promoted side Schalke 04 will make their way to face FC Koln at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.

The Billy Goats will be looking to recover from their previous defeat, whereas Die Knappen are eager to halt a run of two straight losses.

Match overview

Rene Wagner’s Koln have had a mixed opening to their season, and a victory this weekend would significantly lift their aspirations, bringing them closer to European qualification.

The Billy Goats started their Bundesliga journey with a thrilling 3-2 win against Hoffenheim, but have since suffered two losses in their next three matches, failing to secure a win.

Wagner’s squad managed to overcome Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on October 10, but were unable to build on that success, losing 1-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt in their most recent outing.

This inconsistency has resulted in Koln sitting in 12th place in the league with seven points, merely two points away from the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, clinching all three points on Saturday could see the Billy Goats draw level with fifth-place Mainz 05, a realistic opportunity given that the hosts remain unbeaten at the RheinEnergieStadion this season, with two victories and one draw.

On the other hand, Miron Muslic’s Schalke gained promotion to the top tier after capturing the second-division title last season, but have found the transition to be challenging.

Currently, Die Knappen are placed fifth with five points, just above the relegation zone based on goal difference, contrasting notably with fellow promoted side Elversberg, who are sitting in sixth place.

Last weekend, Muslic’s side faced a 1-0 defeat against Mainz 05, failing to respond post-Phillip Tietz’s first-half goal, in a game where former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius earned man of the match honors.

To compound matters, that loss ended Schalke’s 13-month unbeaten streak at the Veltins Arena, and they have failed to score in four of their six league fixtures this season.

This attacking struggle has seen Die Knappen net only four goals so far, which is the lowest tally in the Bundesliga, and it remains uncertain whether they can rectify that on the road against a team that has thrived at home.

Team News

Koln will be without striker Thijs Dallinga as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, and fellow forward Ragnar Ache is expected to miss out as he regains fitness from a thigh issue, leading to Marius Bulter and Said El Mala likely starting in attack.

Adding to their troubles, centre-backs Timo Hubers and Rav van den Berg will miss the match due to knee and muscle injuries respectively, alongside versatile midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, who is contending with an ankle problem.

In their absence, Luka Lochoshvili and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey are expected to partner at the heart of the defence, with Tom Krauss filling in the defensive midfield role.

For Schalke, striker Moussa Sylla is sidelined with a leg injury sustained against Freiburg, but manager Muslic is hopeful that Edin Dzeko will be fit to feature.

Additionally, captain Kenan Karaman and Dejan Ljubicic will not be available as they recover from knee and muscle issues respectively, but Junior Adamu and Adil Aouchiche are poised to provide support to the experienced centre-forward.

Additionally, centre-back Maximilian Wober is still out due to a thigh injury, and the visitors may opt for a three-man defence consisting of Timo Becker, Nikola Katic, and Hasan Kurucay.

FC Koln probable starting XI:

Schwab; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Locoshvili, Sosa; Krauss; Johannesson, Maina; Moore; Bulter, El Mala

Schalke 04 probable starting XI:

Karius; Kurucay, Katic, Becker; Gantenbein, Tanaka, El-Faouzi, Gosens; Adam, Aouchice; Dzeko

Koln has had a tough time securing victories this season, but they have accumulated all their points at home to date and might find success against the newly promoted side on Saturday.

Schalke will be eager to avoid another loss—a result that could see them drop into the bottom three—yet their lack of efficiency in the attack could hinder them once more.