Between FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Köln there is already a real relegation battle at the first half of the season, the bottom of the table receives the sixteenth. For the Gelsenkircheners it is about keeping up with the billy goats – for the FC it is about maintaining or even increasing the point distance to S04.
>>> All information about # S04KOE in the match center
Schalke have only seven points on their account after 16 match days, Cologne at least twelve. But: With their first Bundesliga win of the season, the impressive 4-0 win against Hoffenheim a week and a half ago, the Knappen recently achieved their greatest success of the season and changed the previously negative momentum somewhat – while the Domstadt team in a goalless draw against Hertha got their only point on the three league weekends of the new calendar year on the previous matchday and have not scored a goal since the 11th matchday.
Royal blue silver stripes
>>> Win attractive prizes at the official Fantasy Manager every game day!
At Schalke, players have also developed into real hopes in recent weeks, especially the 19-year-old Matthew Hoppe. The US striker had a three-pack in the runaway win against TSG, he also recently scored at 1: 3 in Frankfurt. Amine Harit takes on a leading role again under the new coach of the Royal Blues Christian Gross, returning Sead Kolasinac has been wearing the armband with pride and self-confidence since his loan change from Arsenal.
The old hands Ralf Fährmann, Matija Nastasic and Benjamin Stambouli also bring experience and the associated calm to the pitch despite the extreme situation. With players like Ozan Kabak, Suat Serdar and Benito Raman, there is undoubtedly room for improvement that the large team could playfully raise to a higher level.
Bucks have to knock over the buck
>>> Secure winnings week after week in the official betting game!
On the other hand, there are fewer reasons to hope, which is why Schalke should at least go into the duel as a slight favorite. What the coming opponent succeeded, Cologne still has to do: the turnaround. The 0-0 draw against Hertha last Saturday was not a negative experience, but coach Markus Gisdol’s team needed wins and goals.
It is important for the Rhinelander that captain Jonas Hector gets back in shape after his long injury break – in the last two games the 30-year-old was finally back in the starting line-up after eight missed games and three joker games. To stabilize the defense, which was largely successful against BSC, there must also be a lot more goal danger in front. Ondrej Duda, arguably the strongest player at the Geißbockheim club, is just as much in demand as the always ambitious and self-sacrificing loaner Marius Wolf. Despite very good performances, the duo could still improve to close the undoubtedly existing gap on the offensive. Of course, it is also possible that a striker like Anthony Modeste just has to mark a hit – and the proverbial knot bursts.
—
It counts on Wednesday at 6.30 p.m.
>>> The table
Five points separate Schalke and Cologne in a table, two places and the difference between relegation rank and relegation rank. It feels like the hosts from the Ruhr area are more self-confident in the comparison, but of course that doesn’t mean anything. The-truth-lies-on-the-field football wisdom of the legendary coach Otto Rehhagel has been quoted many times, but it is true again. And at the early kick-off time on Wednesday there will be a 90-minute battle for relegation on the 17th matchday.
–
