Schalke: 5 key players to watch against Bayern in DFB Pokal

FC Schalke 04 will be out for revenge against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night at the Veltins Arena.

February was a nightmare month for FC Schalke 04, and they have been at their worst over the last three weeks. Following draws with SC Paderborn 07 and Mainz 05, Schalke lost 5-0 to RB Leipzig and were subsequently blown out 3-0 by 1. FC Köln.

Yes, injuries have played a role in Die Knappen’s struggles, but Schalke have also played uninspiring football on both ends of the pitch. Before the Rückrunde began, the Royal Blues were spoken about as potential title contenders, but now they are fighting for a spot in the Europa League in 2020-2021.

On Tuesday night, Schalke will defend the Veltins Arena against Bayern Munich, who beat them 5-0 at the Allianz Arena in late January after defeating them 3-0 at the Veltins in the Hinrunde.

Schalke will be up against it in the quarterfinals of the DFB Pokal, but if these five players can shine, they should like their chances at pulling off an emotional upset.

RB Jonjoe Kenny

Schalke right back Jonjoe Kenny was a major key in the Hinrunde, but he’s been exposed badly by top teams in the Rückrunde. Kenny was torn to shreds and exposed as a weak link by Julian Nagelsmann’s ruthless Leipzig attack in February, while he was also suspect against Bayern defensively in January.

Kenny will face a difficult matchup in the DFB Pokal, as Bayern have Alphonse Davies ready to support any of their talented wide players – likely the incredible Serge Gnabry – on the left. The Everton loanee will need to bounce back big-time on Tuesday.