Schalke – Bayern Munich Preview: The fierce rivals lock horns having both posted unbeaten starts


It may lack the box office draw of El Clasico or the traditional allure of the Milan derby, but there can be no doubting the scale of the rivalry between Schalke and Bayern Munich.

On Saturday afternoon the pair do battle in Gelsenkirchen, with both sides looking to end one another’s unbeaten start to the campaign.

The Bavarians sit at the top of the Bundesliga and boast a 100 per cent record from their opening three games, while die Konigsblauen reside in fourth spot – just two points behind their fierce rivals.

If last season’s clashes between the pair are anything to go by then the hosts hold the upper hand, having emerged 2-0 victors on both occasions, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer – who traded Schalke for Bayern 15 months ago – yet to concede against his former employers.

But, fresh off the back of a fine 2-1 Champions League win at Olympiakos in midweek – the same scoreline by which Bayern saw off Valencia on Wednesday evening – Huub Stevens’ charges will head into the game full of confidence.

Timo Hildebrand looks to be the only notable absentee from the Schalke squad, with Jermaine Jones a slight doubt, while Bayern will check on the fitness of Franck Ribery after he limped off at half-time on Wednesday evening. Mario Gomez remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

  • Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar became the first Dutchman to top the Bundesliga goalscoring charts last season, with a haul of 29 goals.

  • Die Konigsblauen last recorded a win over Bayern in March 2011, when they triumphed 1-0 at the Allianz Arena in the DFB-Pokal. Former striker Raul netted the only goal of the game.

  • Schalke have won four and drawn one of their opening five contests in all competitions this season.

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