Schalke vs Mainz predicted XI: Get the result you need

Schalke, Ahmed Kutucu (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Schalke, Ahmed Kutucu (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Midfield

Again, with limited options, David Wagner will have to make a pros and cons list. Suat Serdar probably won’t feature. Or if he does, maybe he comes off the bench. Which is fine, but with a lingering ankle injury, best not to take any risks.

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Omar Mascarell will keep his steadfast role at the base of the defense. Our new captain is ticketed for player of the season if he keeps up this fine form and there’s no signs that he will let up for any reasons. Always the reliable presence. Just please do’t get hurt.

Weston McKennie will look to keep his tremendous run going as well. McKennie was my man of the match against Paderborn. He was simply fantastic and with Timo Becker likely pairing with him on the right, we are going to need McKennie to be at his best. Thankfully, I don’t see any reason why that wouldn’t be the case, because he is that good.

With Serdar out, I expect Wagner to stick with Alessandro Schopf as the third midfielder. He wasn’t the best against Paderborn, but he wasn’t awful either. And as such, I’m hoping he can finally start to find his way into form.

Lastly, let’s get into the attack.