Schalke 04 host Bayern Munich at the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday at 6:30pm CEST (5:30pm BST). The promoted hosts lost their opener, while Bayern began their title defence with five goals.

Schalke Must Turn Promising Spells Into Goals

Schalke created several early chances during Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Augsburg. Their task became harder when Ron Schallenberg was sent off after 62 minutes. He is suspended for this match.

Captain Kenan Karaman missed the opener with a hip injury and remains doubtful. Robin Gosens, Maximilian Wöber, Junior Dina Ebimbe and Edin Džeko all appeared from the bench at Augsburg. Each is pushing for a first home start.

Schalke 04 predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich (3-4-2-1): Karius; Timo Becker, Katić, Wöber; Dina Ebimbe, El-Faouzi, Ljubičić, Gosens; Aouchiche, Džeko; Sylla.

Bayern Open With a Five-Goal Statement

Bayern started their Bundesliga title defence with a 5-1 victory over Stuttgart. Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlović and Luis Díaz scored alongside a Stuttgart own goal.

The champions registered 21 shots and nine on target. Harry Kane did not score, yet his movement continued to create space for Bayern's three attacking midfielders.

Die Roten first visit VfL Osnabrück in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday. That fixture adds a rotation risk before the trip to Gelsenkirchen. Jamal Musiala remains doubtful, while Serge Gnabry is working towards a return.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Schalke 04 (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Brown, Díaz; Kane.

Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Bayern Munich -1.5 Handicap
  • Odds: 1.41 (22Bet)
  • Correct Score Prediction: Schalke 04 0-3 Bayern Munich
  • 22Bet Booking Code: DFQVT

Key Stats:

  • Bayern produced 21 shots and nine efforts on target against Stuttgart.
  • Schalke conceded three times on the opening weekend and will be without the suspended Schallenberg.
  • Die Roten have won their last ten meetings with Schalke.

Why Bayern Should Cover the Handicap

Schalke were more competitive than the Augsburg scoreline suggests, particularly before the red card. However, Bayern punish missed chances far more severely.

The -1.5 handicap requires Die Roten to win by at least two goals. Their attacking depth and Schalke's enforced midfield change make that the strongest main selection.

Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Bayern Munich -2.5 Handicap
  • Odds: 2.00 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 7M6VT

Three of the last five competitive meetings ended with Bayern winning by at least three goals. Schalke also conceded twice after going down to ten men at Augsburg.

The cup tie is the main reason to avoid overstating confidence in the larger handicap. Bayern should field enough quality to control this match.

Verdict: Bayern Munich -1.5 Handicap (1.41) - Schalke 04 0-3 Bayern Munich.