Newly promoted Schalke host reigning champions Bayern Munich in their first home game of the 2026/27 season. The Royal Blues returned to the Bundesliga after three years away but suffered a harsh 3-0 defeat at Augsburg on opening day (including a red card for Ron Schallenberg). Bayern, meanwhile, started strongly with a 5-1 thrashing of Stuttgart and remain the clear favourites.

Bayern have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning their last 10+ league meetings and the most recent encounter 6-0. Schalke’s last win against the Bavarians came in the 2011 DFB-Pokal.

Form & Context

• Schalke: Lost 0-3 at Augsburg. Defensive issues and a suspension leave them under pressure.
• Bayern: Won 5-1 vs Stuttgart. Strong attacking form under Vincent Kompany, with Harry Kane still hunting for his first league goal of the season.

Team News

Schalke
Out: Ron Schallenberg (suspended), Adrian Gantenbein (ankle), Bryan Lasme (calf), Emil Højlund (Achilles). Kenan Karaman is doubtful (hip).

Likely shape (3-4-2-1 or similar): Karius; T. Becker, Katić, Kuruçay; Ljubičić / Dina Ebimbe, Tanaka, El-Faouzi, Gosens / V. Becker; Aouchiche, Adamu; Sylla.

Bayern Munich
Out/Doubtful: Serge Gnabry (fitness), Jamal Musiala (illness/fitness – may return to the squad but unlikely to start).

Likely shape (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim Min-jae / Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Luis Díaz / Saibari, Kane.

Prediction

Schalke 0-3 Bayern Munich (or 1-4)

Bayern’s superior quality, depth and recent dominance should prove too much for a Schalke side still adjusting to top-flight football. Expect the visitors to control possession and create numerous chances, with Kane, Olise and Díaz among the likely scorers.