This traditional duel would have deserved more than “just” the 2nd league!
Schalke today against Cologne (1.30 p.m./Sky) – and it’s not just FC coach Gerhard Struber (47) who is really looking forward to the cracker: “Two traditional teams are going head-to-head with each other without any filtering. Schalke is a team with a lot of individual quality. They have a lot of new signings. We can expect an atmosphere that will demand everything from us. Nevertheless, we obviously want to get three points.”
Schalke coach Karel Geraerts (42) is already reaching into his psychological bag of tricks before the match: “Cologne’s goal is promotion – and that makes them the clear favorites!”
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The Belgian wants to take the pressure off his team – and build on that in Cologne! Both teams don’t really know where they stand yet, have won, lost and drawn once each. The West-Smash hit – already trend-setting for both NRW clubs!
Geraerts: “Of course the result is important, every point helps us. But we are in a process, a development – that will take several months…”
Terodde predicts Schalke victory
Sky expert Simon Terodde (36/played for both clubs) is clear: “Cologne should not underestimate the 60,000 fans at Schalke. They’re really into this team. My tip: 2:1 Schalke.”
Surprise in the pubSuddenly this England legend sings karaoke
Those: X @MJFaz1991 & @ParamedicEm30.08.2024
Terodde believes in a home victory – but not in the promotion of the Royal Blues: “Schalke has strengthened itself well. With Sylla they have a top striker, and I wonder what he’s doing in the second division, with his dynamism, style of play and cleverness. It was also important to add Antwi-Adjei and Hamache to the outside positions. Despite this, I don’t see Schalke among the top three clubs, but with a run of form anything is possible.”
By the way: There could be a goal spectacle. Because FC and Schalke have two league top values in common: Both teams need an average of just 33 minutes and eight shots per goal.
A goal from Schalke AND Cologne every 33 minutes – the fans would certainly not complain about six goals…
