This week sees the first round of mid-week fixtures in the German Bundesliga and there is an exciting clash to look forward to at the Veltins Arena.
Schalke take on Bayern Munich in a top of the table clash, as both teams aim to keep pace with Borussia Dortmund and surprise package, Hannover 96.
Schalke will start this match in fourth place in the Bundesliga, having picked up 9 points from their four games played. There have been three wins and one defeat, with their latest victory coming on the weekend via a 2-1 win at Werder Bremen.
So far this season, Schalke have defeated RB Leipzig and Stuttgart at home but lost 1-0 away to Hannover prior to their win at Werder Bremen.
Trends show Schalke are undefeated in five of their last six Bundesliga games, a run which stretches back to last season. Their home form is very good and they are unbeaten in their last nine home Bundesliga matches.
During that run, they have scored at least 1 goal in every game but only managed to keep three clean sheets, something which Schalke will be looking to improve this season.
However, a clean sheet could be hard to come by as Bayern Munich roll into town on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich are searching for their fourth win of the season, having produced an identical record to Schalke in their four Bundesliga games.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team started the campaign with victories over Bayer Leverkusen at home and Werder Bremen away but the champions then tasted defeat in Hoffenheim, going down 2-0 in a match that was always going to be tough.
Bayern Munich recovered from that defeat on Saturday by beating Mainz comfortably 4-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Trends show Bayern Munich are undefeated in twenty-five of their last twenty-seven Bundesliga games and in twelve of their last fourteen on the road. They have won four of their last five league games with a 2-goal margin or more.
Bayern Munich enjoy a good record against Schalke and they are undefeated in their last thirteen Bundesliga games. Schalke have failed to defeat them in their last six attempts at the Veltins Arena and this is not at match which the Bayern Munich players will fear.
Schake should have a fully fit squad to choose from for this match, with the only doubts being Donis Avdijaj and Luke Hemmerich, who have ankle and foot problems respectively.
Bayern Munich are without the defensive duo of Juan Bernat and David Alaba, both of which are expected to be out at least until mid-October.
When playing against Bayern Munich you must defend well and other than their opening match against RB Leipzig, Schalke have looked anything but sturdy at the back. Bayern showed glimpses of being back to their best on the weekend and have enough talent going forward to continue their unbeaten run against Schalke by taking maximum points.