RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04 prediction, preview, team news and more

RB Leipzig host FC Schalke 04 at the Red Bull Arena on Matchday 3 of the Bundesliga on Saturday, as Julian Nagelsmann's side look to return to winning ways.

Leipzig could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen last week, in a game that saw first-half goals from Kerem Demirbay and Emil Forsberg.

Schalke are a club in crisis, and sacked manager David Wagner earlier this week. They are 18 Bundesliga matches without a win, in a run that stretches back to January, and have conceded 11 goals in two games so far this season.

🗣 Julian #Nagelsmann:"@s04_en have a new coach and of course it's not so easy to prepare yourself for a team with someone new in charge. However, I think I have a good idea of what Manuel Baum is planning."🔴⚪ #DieRotenBullen #RBLS04 pic.twitter.com/BVICtQh6ad
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) October 1, 2020

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They started the season with a crushing 8-0 defeat against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, and followed that up with a timid showing in a 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen. Niclas Fullkrug scored a hat-trick for Bremen in a game that saw centre-back Ozan Kabak sent off for Schalke.

Our 0️⃣4️⃣ games in October 📆👇#S04 pic.twitter.com/nV6Ehjsb8a
— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) October 1, 2020

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RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04 Head-to-Head

Lepizig have won four of their eight games against Schalke so far. They have only lost twice, with two games ending in draws.

RB Leipzig Bundesliga form guide: D-W

FC Schalke 04 Bundesliga form guide: L-L

RB Leipzig vs FSV Mainz 05 Team NewsRB Leipzig

RB Leipzig have Spanish attacking midfielder Dani Olmo ruled out with injury, along with the Austrian midfielder, Konrad Laimer. Ibrahima Konate also remains a doubt.

Injured: Dani Olmo, Fabrice Hartmann, Konrad Laimer, Ibrahima Konate

Suspended: None

FC Schalke 04

If the horror start to their season was not bad enough, Schalke also have two leading midfielders and a centre-back ruled out due to injury. Suat Serdar and Omar Mascarell are both out, and Salif Sane remains a long-term absentee.

Kabak was sent off in the loss to Bremen and is suspended for this game.

Injuries: Omar Mascarell, Salif Sane, Suat Serdar

Doubtful: None

Suspensions: Ozan Kabak

RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04 Predicted XI

RB Leipzig Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Peter Gulcasi; Lukas Klostermann, Dayot Upamecano, Willi Orban; Angelino, Tyler Adams, Kevin Kampl, Nordi Mukiele; Hee-Chan Hwang, Dani Olmo; Yussuf Poulsen

Schalke 04 Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ralf Fahrmann (GK); Sebastian Rudy, Benjamin Stambouli, Matija Nastasic, Bastian Oczipka; Nassim Boujellab, Nabil Bentaleb; Mark Uth, Amine Harit, Rabbi Matondo; Goncalo Pacienca