Schalke vs Paderborn predicted XI: Lopsided would be nice

After a thrilling comeback win in the DFB-Pokal Cup, Schalke will hope to carry the momentum back to the Veltins against Paderborn. Here’s how they should line up.

FC Schalke are riding on the wave of momentum produced by their thrilling comeback win midweek against Hertha Berlin. Just a few days after grinding out a 0-0 draw against the same opponent, Die Knappen weathered a 2-0 deficit into the 75 minute before springing a comeback to spur extra time.

Just before a penalty shootout, Benito Raman slotted home to secure the Blues a spot in the quarter-finals.

Needless to say, this was drastically needed following a 5-0 implosion at the Allianz and the aforementioned 0-0 draw in the capital. But now we have to keep that momentum going in the Bundesliga.

Thankfully, we will be facing Paderborn, currently bottom of the table. But the fact that they are still within ear shot of getting out of the relegation zone makes this a land mine that Schalke would be keen to avoid.

It’s been awhile since we had a nice, conclusive win, but wins like that are usually built in the first 15 minutes or so—a period of time where the Blues have no goals this season.

That said, the resources will be there to lay the smack on. Though there are some injuries to talk about first. Namely, Weston McKennie and Suat Serdar are both questionable for the match. McKennie finished limping against Hertha and Serdar was still missing after getting injured in the Bundesliga fixture against Hertha.

Elsewhere, rightback is completely vacant, with both Jonjoe Kenny and Daniel Caligiuri missing out. Which will make things interesting and force David Wagner to get creative with his team selection.

Then there are the usual injuries—Salif Sane and Benjamin Stambouli, both of whom are still out for the year. Markus Schubert is also still hurt, which is unfortunate, because I really want to see him get back into action.

As for formation, I’m expecting a 4-3-1-2 type of formation, perhaps more like a 4-1-3-2, depending on how Wagner wants his team to situate. As for personnel, let’s get started.

Keeper

Alexander Nubel will keep his place.

Defense is next.