Schalke have powered their way up into Champions League places, while Bayern Munich are coming off their worst loss of the season. Seemingly, this is the best time for Die Königsblauen to catch the Bavarians, and Tuesday’s Bundesliga clash could be an extremely competitive affair.
Bayern Munich vs. Schalke: Time, TV schedule and game preview
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There’s just the issue of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar not being able to play because of a suspension. Not only is he out of this game, but five more afterwards, so we won’t be seeing him at all domestically in the month of February. The good news for Schalke is that Eric Choupo-Moting is having a great season, and he’s back from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Roberto Di Matteo has played the pair together for his entire reign, and what he does without Huntelaar is anyone’s guess.
Bayern's title defense isn't actually under threat at the moment -- they're still eight points ahead of second-placed Wolfsburg even after last week's result -- but thinks might get fun with another loss. A two-game losing streak is all it would take for Bayern fans to start jumping down Pep's throat, too.
Schalke 04 injuries and suspensions
Out: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (suspended), Ralf Fährmann (knee), Sead Kolasinac (knee), Jefferson Farfan (knee). In doubt: Julian Draxler (hamstring), Marco Höger (thigh), Chinedu Obasi (leg).
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Franck Ribery (hamstring), Rafinha (ankle), Philipp Lahm (ankle), Thiago Alcantara (knee), Javi Martinez (knee). In doubt: Holger Badstuber (thigh), Mehdi Benatia (groin)
Benatia and Badstuber sat out against Wolfsburg, but could return for this game. Rafinha and Ribery should be back shortly, while Lahm, Thiago and Martinez will be out longer. Schalke’s long-term injury list is starting to clear up, but Draxler is probably another game away from returning.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 2 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: GolTV (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport 2 (U.K.), Sky Bundesliga (Germany)
Online: Fubo TV (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport (U.K.), Sky Go (Germany)
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