FC Schalke 04 vs. RB Leipzig preview: Blues and Bulls desperate to end barren spells
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FC Schalke host RB Leipzig on matchday 8 of Bundesliga as both clubs are looking to end their respective poor streaks.
Schalke 04
Miron Muslić’s men are yet to score at Veltins Arena this season. Following the wild celebrations after their goalless draw with FC Bayern, the newly-promoted side failed to find the net against lowly oppostions Elversberg and Mainz.
It should also be added here that three of their four away goals did came in their solitary victory at Union Berlin. Schalke also struggled in the final third during the first half of their promotion season, but the issue could prove to be more damaging with higher level of opponents in Bundesliga.
Team News
Robin Gosens could return to the side after missing the cup duel with head injury. Adrian Gantenbein, Ron Schallenberg and Maximilian Wöber are all definitely out, while Moussa Sylla and Soufian El-Faouzi could be named in the matchday squad.
The captain Kenan Karaman and fellow attacker Dejan Ljubicic already returned to action as substitutes in Dresden.
RB Leipzig
Meanwhile, Martin Demichelis’ side picked up all their points so far at home. Including a 6-1 defeat to defending champions FC Bayern on matchday 6, RB Leipzig lost the first three away Bundesliga games under the Argentine coach.
They were also heading out from the DFB-Pokal away at 3. Liga side RW Essen before Christoph Baumgartner’s second-half brace. The visitors would look to repeat the fighting spirit they showed with ten players in Essen when they will be back in Schalke for a Bundesliga duel.
Team News
Germany international Assan Ouedraogo and summer signing Marc Guiu are long-term absentees, while French duo Maxime Esteve and Christopher Nkunku will hope to pass the late fitness test.
Head-to-head
Including Timo Werner’s infamous dive, the games between the two clubs produced some memorable events. Leipzig are superior in head-to-head records as they scored 14 goals in their last three trips to Veltins Arena.
Predicted Lineups
Click here to see our predicted Lineups for Schalke 04 vs. RB Leipzig.
