FC Schalke vs Fortuna Dusseldorf predicted XI: Brand new defense
By Josh Sippie
Defense
FC Schalke’s top three centerbacks are injured, two of which for the longterm, one of which is returning from a longterm. That’s not the best place to be in when your spot in the table is so fragile, but the defensive players they do boast need to step up and do their part and then some. Thankfully, Wagner is the kind of guy to draw that out of his players.
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Let’s get the easy stuff out of the way—fullbacks. Jonjoe Kenny and Bastian Ozcipka are both going to retain their starting jobs. Even though Juan Miranda is on the mend and figures to be a key competitor to Ozcipka moving forward, that time has not come yet.
In the center, there’s really only one way to spin it. Weston McKennie will move back in to deputize at the position and Ozan Kabak will be asked to continue his positive run of form after scoring a goal in his first full Bundesliga debut. Confidence will be high, and that’s exactly where we need it to be.
It’s a young, inexperienced central defense, but the ability is there. Focus is what is needed. As long as they can focus, this defense is going to be just fine.
Midfield is coming up next.