FC Schalke: 5 key players to watch against Werder Bremen

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GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 09: Bastian Oczipka of FC Schalke 04 controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins-Arena on November 9, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

LB Bastian Oczipka

Barcelona have publicly expressed frustration at Juan Miranda’s lack of minutes at left back, though the Spanish international has only just returned to action from an injury. Don’t expect Miranda to face Werder, though. A huge reason for his lack of minutes has been continued strong play from veteran left back Bastian Oczipka, who provided a golden assist off a corner for Ozan Kabak’s goal against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Matchday 11.

Oczipka leads Schalke with three assists, and his crosses continue to be a critical component in the Royal Blues’ chance creation. The 30-year-old German international is also a capable defender on the left side, which will be critical against Werder whenever star man Milot Rashica decides to test Schalke on the counter.

RM Daniel Caligiuri

It will be interesting to see if Daniel Caligiuri plays on the left or right against Werder Bremen, as the veteran midfielder/wingback is a jack-of-all-trades type of player for Schalke. Even though his passing hasn’t been as consistent as seasons’ past, Caligiuri’s all-around defensive work, leadership, and technical quality have been crucial.

Caligiuri created two goals off set pieces in Schalke’s 3-2 win over Augsburg, and he scored a wonderful half-volley goal to give Die Knappen a 1-0 lead over Dusseldorf two weeks ago.

He’ll need to be at his best on Saturday against Werder, because I have a feeling Werder will bring their absolute best. Caligiuri’s passing will need to be great in order to match Bremen’s midfield maestro Nuri Sahin, who has been back on form in 2019-2020.

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