Attack
This is where David Wagner is really going to have to make his living. He has so many options and not a whole lot of them are what we would like to call reliable. But let’s get the ones that are reliable out of the way first.
Amine Harit will start in his No. 10, attacking midfield capacity. He is undoubtedly as desperate to end this goal drought that he’s in just as much as Schalke is desperate to end the rut that they’re in. Which is nice, because they can help each other out.
Wagner will probably also lean towards a two-striker set, since going with a loan striker just doesn’t seem smart right now. Not when there are so many unproven commodities up there. With the midfield as strong as it is, sticking two strikes up there gives ample opportunity for this attack to put the finishing touches on.
Benito Raman is an almost-sure start. He’s been our best striker on the year and with the full complement back behind him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him find his goal-scoring boots again.
Next to him, we’re thinking Michael Gregoritsch. If for no other reason than because what we saw against Borussia Monchengladbach, with Raman and Gregoritsch, has to be hidden away somewhere. Maybe it can come out again here.
It’s a strong XI, one that can do the job. Now get excited!