Schalke 04 vs. Elversberg preview: Two promoted sides lock horns

Schalke 04

Schalke started their first Bundesliga campaign since 2022/23 with a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Augsburg. They showed great character to put that disappointment behind them by taking four points from their last two matches, including a hard-fought point from their stalemate against Bayern Munich earlier this month. 

Die Königsblauen backed up that resolute home performance with a free-scoring display in their recent away clash against Union Berlin. Robin Gosens netted his first Schalke goal against his former employers before Adil Aouchiche doubled his team’s advantage. Schalke were dealt a blow when Tim Skarke pulled a goal back, but any doubt about their victory was quashed by Maximilian Wöber’s effort in the 13th minute of stoppage time. 

Miron Muslić’s side will be looking to make it three consecutive games without defeat in their final outing before the first international break of the season. The hosts completed a league double over Elversberg in the second tier last term, including a 1-0 victory at the Veltins-Arena in November 2025.

Team News

Dejan Ljubičić is set for a spell on the sidelines after being withdrawn in the first half against Union due to a knee problem. The hosts are also without Johannes Siebeking, Justin Heekeren and Emil Højlund.

Click here to see Schalke's predicted lineup for this fixture. 

Elversberg

Elversberg have made an impressive start to their first-ever Bundesliga season. Vincent Wagner’s charges held off a late Bayer Leverkusen fightback to record a 3-2 victory in their opener, before they overturned a two-goal deficit to see off Borussia Mönchengladbach via a 4-3 scoreline on matchday two. 

A point against the reigning champions then appeared to be on the cards when Maurice Krattenmacher cancelled out Lennart Karl’s opener in last Sunday’s home clash against Bayern Munich. Unfortunately for Elversberg, Harry Kane spoiled the party, netting a 72nd-minute winner to condemn the newly-promoted side to their first Bundesliga defeat. 

Elversberg will now head on their travels with hopes of recording a second straight away win in the top flight. While they may have lost on their most recent trip to the Veltins-Arena, their previous two trips to Schalke yielded 2-1  victories in November 2023 and May 2025. A win on Saturday would see them become the first team to beat Schalke in a competitive game at the Veltins-Arena since Holstein Kiel in September last year. 

Team News

Forward Francis Onyeka is unlikely to feature after being forced off with a head injury in the early stages of the home defeat to Bayern. Elversberg are also without the services of Luis Seifert and Tom Zimmerschied. 

Click here to see Elversberg's predicted lineup for this fixture.