FC Schalke 04 – FC Augsburg

Schalke host Augsburg in what promises to be a decisive clash in the lower half of the table, with the home side sitting tenth on four points after one win, one draw and one loss and a modest -1 goal difference. Augsburg, perched in third place with seven points from two victories and a draw and a healthy +6 goal margin, will look to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap on the leaders. The stark contrast in recent form – Schalke’s solitary win versus Augsburg’s flawless record – suggests the Bavarians enter as clear favourites, yet the Ruhr crowd could make the difference on a pitch where Schalke have struggled to score, netting only three times this season. A positive result for Schalke could lift them out of the relegation zone, while Augsburg will be eager to keep their momentum alive as the race for European spots tightens.