FC Schalke vs Borussia Monchengladbach predicted XI

Defense

I continue to marvel over how amazing it is that our has barely even felt the brunt of losing Sane and Stambouli for the year. You’d have thought that losing our two starting centerbacks would have some negative repercussions, but Ozan Kabak has been immaculate back there, and while Matija Nastasic has been in and out, he’ll be healthy again, which should merit another start here.

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• Schalke 04: David Wagner just has to make it to the end of the season
• Schalke 04: At least we still have Weston McKennie

I would love to say that Jean-Clair Todibo will be ready to go, but that’s just not the case. He only just arrived, and as long as Nastasic stays healthy, he’s probably going to assume the same role Kabak had when Sane and Stambouli were healthy. He’s going to bide his time and await the opportunity to make his mark.

Of course, given Nastasic’s track injury track record, that shouldn’t take long.

On the outside of this defense, we can invest plenty of confidence in Jonjoe Kenny and Bastian Ozckipa. The latter had to fill in a bit at centerback when literally everyone else was hurt, but if Nastasic is indeed ready to go, it’s time to slot him back out on the left.

It’s exciting here, and we’re just getting started. Let’s move on to the midfield.