Overview
Schalke returned to the Bundesliga after a 3-year absence, after winning the German Second Division championship in the 2025-2026 season under the guidance of Miron Muslic.
However, Die Knappen's comeback did not go as expected. In the opening match of the season, Schalke lost heavily to Augsburg 0-3 away from home.
Schalke faced even more difficulties when Ron Schallenberg received a red card in the 60th minute, when they were only behind 0-1. However, the performance in attack still brought some positive signals. Schalke created 2.10 expected goals (xG), showing that they are capable of putting pressure if they control the ball better.
The match against Bayern is also Schalke's first home match in the Bundesliga this season. The cheers from the fans at Veltins-Arena could become an important source of motivation for Muslic's team.
However, Schalke is still rated much lower. They have lost all 12 recent encounters with Bayern, so any result other than defeat will be a big surprise.
In the opposite direction, Bayern Munich is aiming to defend the Bundesliga championship and has had an impressive start. Vincent Kompany's team crushed Stuttgart 5-1 in the opening match with goals from Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Luis Diaz, along with an own goal by Josha Vagnoman.
Bayern not only won with a large margin but also showed diversity in attack when 4 different players directly scored.
After the victory over Stuttgart, Bayern continued to defeat Osnabruck 4-1 at the DFB-Pokal in the middle of the week. This victory helps the Bavarian team aim for the match against Schalke with the goal of winning their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.
Bayern fans have reason to wait for another convincing performance. Kompany's team has been unbeaten in away matches in domestic leagues throughout 2026, thereby further strengthening their belief before the trip to Veltins-Arena.
Personnel situation
Schalke will face no few personnel difficulties in midfield when Ayman Gulasi is absent due to injury, Ron Schallenberg is suspended after a red card in the match against Augsburg, and Kenan Karaman is also having a hip problem.
In that context, Soufiane El-Faouzi and Satoshi Tanaka are likely to be given a starting spot in the midfield area. These two players may receive support from Dejan Ljubicic and Robin Gosens in both corridors, as Adrian Gantenbein is still recovering from an ankle injury.
In attack, Bryan Lasme is not sure to play due to a calf problem. Moussa Sylla is likely to start, with Junior Adamu and Adil Aouchiche supporting behind.
On Bayern Munich's side, Serge Gnabry continues to be absent. This versatile striker has just returned to training with the team but has not yet reached his best physical condition.
Jamal Musiala is also not sure to be able to play even though he has been training normally after a mental problem. If the German midfielder does not return in time, Michael Olise, Ismael Saibari and Luis Diaz are likely to play behind center-forward Harry Kane.
Expected lineup:
Schalke 04: Karius, T. Becker, Katic, Kurucay, Ljubicic, Tanaka, El-Faouzi, Gosens, Aouchiche, Adamu, Sylla.
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Brown, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Olise, Saibari, Diaz, Kane.
The match between Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich takes place at 11:30 p.m. on September 5 (Vietnam time).
