Preview: Bayern looking to avoid any upsets in away trip to Gelsenkirchen
The defending champions will face a difficult challenge as they face Jens Keller’s men who have not conceded in three consecutive matches. Strengthened by the arrivals of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Ádám Szalai, Die Königsblauen will be looking to put a strong performance against the Bavarians in order to push for a Champions League place this season.
The squad has further benefited from the development of Schalke’s youth product Julian Draxler, who is starting to show why he has been so highly regarded and some fine displays in recent outings has made him one of the most important players in the squad.
He was his side’s brightest player as Schalke took on Steaua Bucuresti in the Champions League. The 20 year old was always on the run, tormenting the opposition defence and after setting up Kevin Prince Boateng for the second goal of the night he got himself on the score sheet with a sublime chip in the 85th minute.
Even though the 20 year old accepted Bayern as the favourites for the tie, he remained optimistic that Schalke can turn the home advantage in their own favour
“We will see what happens. Everybody definitely has to give their very best - Bayern will be favourite to beat us this weekend," Julian Daxler told reporters.
"But they are coming to our stadium, so I think we have a realistic chance to get a point or maybe even three out of the match."
However it will take more than an individual performance for Schalke to defeat a side which has been on a 30 match unbeaten run in the league now. The Bavarians have been implausible to say the least and remain favourites for the league title despite a very strong start from title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Pep Guardiola’s side is further boosted by the return of talismanic midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger who might return to the starting line-up in the match against Schalke. However Thiago Alcantara, Mario Gotze and Javi Martinez will continue to nurse their respective injuries.
An exciting feature of Saturday’s encounter is two brothers who represent different nations on the international stage being put up against one another. Schalke’s summer acquisition Kevin Prince Boateng has seamlessly adjusted to life at his new club and has been one of the most influential players in the side.
The flamboyant midfielder has already scored two goals for his new club in the three matches he has played and will be looking to improve his tally against the Bavarians.
With the elder Boateng playing the number ten role just behind the striker, it will not be a surprise if he comes in regular contact with his younger brother Jerome Boateng who will put any brother-like feelings aside to deny the Ghana international much time on the ball.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
Watch Schalke 04 vs Bayern live on Saturday, September 21, 2013:
In Canada at 12:30 EDT on GolTV Canada
In UK at 17:30 BST on BT Sport 1
In USA at 12:30 ET on Gol TV USA
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Germany can watch the match live on Sky Bundesliga 2.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich match page.
