As far as Bundesliga showcases go, Schalke 04 against Borussia Mönchengladbach is one of the underrated ones of recent seasons. The two have found a home in a similar part of the table, and the narrative of the clubs are heading in different directions.
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Schalke 04: Time, TV schedule and game preview
With a depleted defense, Schalke travels to Borussia Park to prevail over Champions League hopeful Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Martin Rose
Schalke has jetted to unimaginable heights over recent seasons, but their soar has begun to stall like a B-17 trying to fly to the moon. Mönchengladbach meanwhile has retooled their hardware with exciting young talent, and are gearing up for their ascension back into German title relevant. ‘Gladbach’s relentless breaking style will test Schalke’s patience, creating an intriguing matchup between two different football styles.
Both are about to start their European campaigns, Schalke in the UEFA Champions League and Mönchengladbach in the UEFA Europa League. The Schalke squad will be a bit starved with an outbreak of injuries all over the park, which could be a perfect opportunity for ‘Gladbach to take a third consecutive victory from the Königsblauen.
Key Player: Benedikt Höwedes
The World Cup champion defender will be the one healthy piece Schalke manager Jens Keller will be able to rely upon in defense. He will be beside inexperienced Kaan Ayhan, who has started only as a fullback this season, which means he will like have to blanket inevitable youthful mistakes as the 19-year-old continues to get his feet wet. The Fohlen's penetrable attack will likely pull him out of position, which will require him to rekindle some of the fullback skills he has used for the Germany national team.
Key Matchup: Schalke’s attacking midfield vs. Mönchengladbach’s defense
Usually a young, dynamic front, Schalke's attacking midfield will have a hobble in its step. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Julian Draxler could play despite their injuries, but they will be hard pressed to put in a good performance. 'Gladbach's defense is not the most stringent in the Bundesliga, but they have only allowed four goals in five matches in all competition. Schalke's attacking third will be the battleground in the match, and if Königsblauen cannot overcome their injury woes, 'Gladbach will be in great shape to come away with three points.
Mönchengladbach injuries and suspensions
Out: Julian Korb (cold) In Doubt: None
Schalke injuries and suspensions
Out: Jefferson Farfán (knee), Fabian Giefer (groin), Leon Goretzka (thigh), Jan Kirchhoff (knee), Sead Kolašinac (knee), Joël Matip (groin), Felipe Santana (muscle tear) In Doubt: Kevin-Prince Boateng (ankle), Julian Draxler (hamstring), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (cold), Max Meyer (cold)
Draxler’s hamstring injury makes him the third regular Schalke winger with injury issues, joining Farfán and Goretzka. Matip and Santana’s impairment leave Schalke without a lot of defensive depth, meaning Ayhan, who has dealt with muscle soreness himself, will need to move centrally. To make matters worse, Huntelaar and Meyer both went under the weather, although the duo practiced earlier this week and should be well enough to play at the weekend.
Korb’s illness will keep him off of ‘Gladbach’s team sheet, but he will be the only absence from Lucien Favre’s bullpen this weekend.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, September 13; 6:30 PM local, 12:30 PM EDT
Venue: Borussia Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany
TV: GolTV (USA/Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Sky Bundesliga 1 (Germany)
Online: BT Sport (U.K.), Sky Go (Germany)
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