We play newly promoted Nürnberg at home, meaning anything less than three points would be embarassing. Still, the way we've been playing we could beat them 6-0 and still play like utter crap, plus Bayern's unexpected draw vs Augsburg means cutting down their point lead to just 2 if we win, which is imperative if we want to keep the gap respectable.
Diallo is suspended and Toprak is still injured, while Favre didn't particularly endorse a reporter's suggestion that Zagadou could start at CB. Not sure what the other options are...Piszczek? Witsel? The other big question is who would play CF in the aftermath of the failed Wolf experiment. Alcácer is questionable, and Philipp would be the most obvious alternative, but I suppose some sort of false 9 (Reus, Kagawa) is plausible on paper. Isak played in the U23 match on Tuesday and is clearly very far outside the 1st team picture.
Hakimi gets his start. Alcacer is on the bench, at least. Bürki Hakimi Zagadou Akanji Schmelzer Delaney Witsel Pulisic Reus Bruun Larsen Philipp
Very nice goal by Larsen. Assist by Pulisic deserves praise as well. And Reus (I think) misses the 2:0 right after taking the lead.
what a freaking goal... just nice set up.. PUlisic good pass and even better shot on goal that was wonderful chip into the corner
Great first goal. Brilliant from both Pulisic and Larsen. Reus has missed a sitter but has started well. Hakimi doing very well too.
2:0 Reus. Pretty decent football by us but Nürnberg is quite awful so far except their few counter attacks.
Dominant first half against a bad opponent. I expected more of them. Hakimi didn't look out of place. Not many chances to show what he can do offensively and even less chances to show his defensive abilities. Zagadou had 1-2 very bad passes that could have hurt us against better opponents. Other than that, he will hopefully see more playing time as he should be developed to be the third CB. His passing through the lines was what brought us into the position to create the 2:0. Philipp isn't bad but could show more. In this game, I wouldn't mind him getting more than 70 minutes before Alcacer gets his minutes because we rather need Alcacer for the next game in Leverkusen.
Another assist from Reus but Hakimi is showing people what a good right back can do. Schmelzer has been better today and the end of Hoffenheim game. Hopefully we don't concede get a fourth and take off Reus.
Yep. A beautiful goal. I know Reus is on a hattrick but take him off. Let him rest. He has been MOTM. Brilliant performance.
Yes, just now there was a completely useless tackle against Bruun Larsen at the sideline. Sub Reus and give some playing time to Weigl and Alcacer.
Depends how risky it is to start Alcacer. No point taking even the slightest risk. We have two very hard and must win games coming up.
Even Akanji scores now. Btw, to see several Schalke fans in the Nürnberg corner as these clubs have a friendship. That way, they can actually see some good football for a change. It's hard enough for them being 0:5 so far this season. Bottom of the table, damn...
Yes, I already wanted to say that this was the first game where Delaney didn't look useless. It's the second goal he set up. On the other side, this is probably the worst team we will face this season. Such a high loss will probably take its toll on their confidence as well and I expect them to get relegated. And now Weigl makes it 7:0.