Schalke vs RB Leipzig – News and Probable Lineups

RB Leipzig aims to secure a position in the Bundesliga’s top four this Saturday as they visit Schalke 04 at VELTINS-Arena.

The newly-promoted hosts currently sit in the 16th position with a mere six points, while their opponents are fifth with 12 points following a resounding 4-0 victory over Elversberg on October 24.

Match overview

Schalke arrives at this weekend’s encounter on the back of a 2-0 defeat to 2. Bundesliga team SG Dynamo Dresden in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday.

Although Schalke may not have prioritized the cup, supporters will be concerned as the team is without a win in four matches, recording three losses and a draw.

Despite being the least effective attacking team in the division with only four goals scored, head coach Miron Muslic will find some comfort in the fact that his squad has conceded only seven times, marking the third-best defensive record in the league.

Their latest Bundesliga outing ended in a goalless draw against FC Koln on October 24, but that point leaves them just three points above bottom-placed Borussia Monchengladbach, and only three away from ninth-placed Augsburg.

Die Konigsblauen have struggled at VELTINS-Arena, earning only two points from a possible nine at home in league action, with one of those draws being a 0-0 stalemate with Bayern Munich on September 5.

Leipzig could elevate to third place by the end of the weekend, as they are only one point behind third-placed Freiburg, although they are merely three points above 11th-placed Hamburger SV.

Die Roten Bullen progressed to the third round of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, defeating Rot-Weiss Essen 2-1, marking their second consecutive win after triumphing over Elversberg.

In their last six matches, the visitors have achieved four victories, though their two losses came against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Bayern Munich in the league.

Head coach Martin Demichelis’s side has been impressive in attack in the Bundesliga, with only Bayern’s tally of 25 goals surpassing their own figure of 20, although they have conceded 10 times in their last four fixtures.

Leipzig’s win against Rot-Weiss Essen was particularly satisfying, breaking a streak of five consecutive away defeats.

Team News

Schalke faces possible absences of up to seven players for matchweek eight, including forwards Kenan Karaman, Moussa Sylla, and Emil Hojlund, who are all completely ruled out.

Chukwubuike Adamu and Hee-Chan Hwang are expected to feature in Schalke’s attacking duo, with Satoshi Tanaka and Janik Bachmann likely to play in the midfield roles.

Leipzig’s injury situation isn’t as dire, but with forward Christopher Nkunku considered doubtful due to an adductor issue, Romulo is likely to lead the front line, supported by attacking midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.

Rocco Reitz and Neil El Aynaoui may be deployed together in a double pivot, as Assan Ouedraogo (shoulder) is currently unavailable.

Castello Lukeba and Willi Orban are expected to remain solid in defense, with no concerns regarding their selection ahead of goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.

Schalke 04 probable starting XI:

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

RB Leipzig probable starting XI:

Vandevoordt; Henrichs, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Reitz, El Aynaoui; Gruda, Banjuzi, Nusa; Romulo

Away victories are likely to be narrow considering Schalke’s strong defensive performances this season.

Leipzig has shown proficiency in the attacking third, so while they might take a while to break the deadlock, their offensive capabilities should ultimately lead them to victory.