FC Schalke 04 – 1. FC Köln

The clash at the Veltins-Arena sees tenth‑placed Schalke 04 host twelfth‑placed Köln, both sitting on four points after three games. Schalke’s modest +‑1 goal difference (three scored, four conceded) contrasts with Köln’s wider ‑2 margin, having netted five while allowing seven. With each side holding a win, a draw and a loss, the encounter offers a chance for either club to climb the table and create a six‑point gap over the other. Their recent head‑to‑head record is evenly balanced, so the result could swing the mid‑table battle in either direction.