Schalke vs Mainz predicted XI: Get the result you need

Attack

Okay, I’m predicting big changes here. Even though my track record of big changes isn’t the best. Especially as far as this prediction is concerned.

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. Amine Harit will start in his pivotal creative role, likely as the hinge from which the two strikers play off of. Harit was hit and miss against Paderborn, but that’s just how he is sometimes, and it will be nice to see him back out on there, trying to make the most of things.

Benito Raman is as sure to start as ever. He has done so much for this attack. The only lingering question is who fills the role next to him to finally round off this open-ended attack.

And I don’t want it to be Michael Gregoritsch.

Ahmed Kutucu has to be given his first start of the year here. He just has to. He was a game changer against Paderborn. He had more presence than Gregoritsch, and he isn’t even a presence kind of guy.

Give me the speed combination of Raman and Kutucu. If needed, bring on Gregoritsch later on if you need an attacking adjustment. But it’s long past due that Kutucu starts a match.