Hallescher vs Schalke – News and Probable Lineups

As they gear up for their re-entry into the Bundesliga, Schalke 04 will make their way to Leuna-Chemie-Stadion on Monday to take on fourth-tier Halle in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

Chemie is seeking to snap a three-match winless streak, while the Royal Blues are eager to commence their competitive season with a victory.

Match overview

Hallescher, under Robert Schroder, enters this cup match as considerable underdogs due to their position in a lower league, though they have also started the 2026-27 season with a lackluster performance.

The Red and Whites finished fourth in the Regionalliga Nordost last season, and although they will be keen to vie for promotion this time, they have only secured one victory in their five matches thus far – a 1-0 win against Chemie Leipzig on August 5.

To add to their woes, Hallescher suffered a 2-1 defeat to Altglienicke last Sunday, where Soufian Benyamina’s effort in the 84th minute proved to be just a consolation.

Moreover, Schroder’s team qualified for the inaugural round of the DFB-Pokal by triumphing in the Saxony-Anhalt Cup, where they defeated Germania Halberstadt 4-0 on May 23. However, they have been eliminated at this stage for the past three seasons.

Nonetheless, fans looking to find a silver lining to the current season could point out that Monday’s hosts have only been defeated once in 2026-27 and remain unbeaten on their home turf.

On the flip side, Miron Muslic’s Schalke earned promotion to the top division after clinching the 2.Bundesliga title in 2025-26, and Monday’s clash will act as a competitive opener for what promises to be a vital season.

Success in the first round of the DFB-Pokal would instill confidence in the club ahead of their league opener against Augsburg next Sunday, particularly following a poor finish to the Royal Blues’ summer friendly engagements.

Muslic’s squad kicked off pre-season with a 2-1 loss against FC Gutersloh but rebounded with four successive wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Kassel on August 1.

However, Schalke concluded their preparations with a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta from Serie A and another 3-0 loss to Real Madrid, outcomes that reveal potential shortcomings when facing high-caliber teams.

Fortunately for the Royal Blues, after spending three years in the second tier, they will be up against a fourth-tier opponent on Monday, making them strong contenders to advance.

Team News

Hallescher will be missing goalkeepers Sven Muller and Keno-Miguel Meyer, with the former out due to a cervical spine injury and the latter recovering from finger surgery.

In their absence, Luca Bendel is expected to take charge in goal on Monday, supported by a defensive line featuring Felix Langhammer, Burim Halili, Niklas Landgraf, and Julien Damelang, who might play in a supporting left-back role.

On the Schalke side, they are somewhat limited in attack due to injuries, as versatile forward Bryan Lasme is sidelined with a calf issue while Kenan Karaman is working through recovery from a hip injury.

To address these absences, Muslic may choose a front trio of Junior Adamu, Eric Ebimbe, and Adil Aouchiche behind striker Moussa Sylla.

Additionally, right-back Adrian Gantenbein will not feature due to an ankle problem, though Timo Becker is likely to slot in alongside Mertcan Ayhan, Nikola Katic, and Robin Gosens in defense for the visitors.

Hallescher probable starting XI:

Bendel; Langhammer, Halili, Landgraf, Damelang; Hauptmann, Kulke, Stierlin; Benyamina, Hartmann, Ratifo

Schalke 04 probable starting XI:

Karius; T Becker, Ayhan, Katic, Gosens; Schallenberg, El-Faouzi; Adamu, Ebimbe, Aouchiche; Sylla

Hallescher finds themselves as the underdogs due to their position in the fourth tier, and given their challenging start to the 2026-27 league campaign, it seems improbable that they will manage to overcome Schalke.

Nonetheless, the hosts have experienced only one defeat thus far in this season, and the Royal Blues must remain sharp to secure progression to the second round.