Schalke will start Markus Schubert full-time with strong Bayern performance

Ever since Alexander Nübel agreed to a five-year deal with Bayern Munich, FC Schalke 04 fans have wanted to see Markus Schubert replace him in the starting lineup on a full-time basis. It appears that could happen with another strong performance against the Bundesliga’s powerhouse club.

FC Schalke 04 are gearing up to face Bayern Munich on Saturday evening at the Allianz Arena, looking to avenge their 3-0 home loss to Die Roten in the Hinrunde. Both teams look much more different – and stronger – since the Hinrunde, with Schalke’s upgrades, including the loan signing of FC Augsburg’s Michael Gregoritsch, standing out the most.

An area of the Royal Blues’ squad with a new look is in between the posts, as Markus Schubert is still in goal due to Alexander Nübel’s well-deserved suspension for a December horror tackle on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Mijat Gacinovic. Nübel will return from his suspension shortly, but it looks like it won’t matter for his place in the starting lineup.

According to a report from BILD, via BuLiNews.com, as long as Schubert plays sufficiently well against Bayern this weekend, he will displace Nübel as the team’s full-time starting keeper.

It’s a wise stance from Schalke, who are upset that they lost one of Europe’s most promising keepers for free to one of their biggest rivals. Meanwhile, Schubert has actually played better than Nübel, is two years younger, and is probably just as promising. He doesn’t quite have Nübel’s athletic tools, but he hasn’t made any blunders with the ball at his feet, which was an issue for the future Bayern keeper.

Facing off against Bayern at the Allianz is a difficult proposition for a young goalkeeper, but Schubert has consistently been composed and up to the task. Expect the former Dynamo Dresden star to have a solid effort against Hansi Flick’s team and establish himself as the regular starter for Schalke, which will be music to the Nordkurve’s ears.