FC Schalke 04 hosts Preußen Münster on February 28, 2025, as both teams are entangled in the struggle to secure their positions outside the relegation zone of the 2. Bundesliga. With kickoff scheduled for 18:30 CET at the Veltins-Arena, Schalke is seeking to turn their recent fortunes around after losing three of their last four matches, including a disappointing 0-2 defeat against Darmstadt last weekend. Meanwhile, Preußen Münster aims to build on their recent 2-0 victory over Jahn Regensburg, their first win after three straight losses.
A total of 6,200 fans will travel from Münster to support their team, with various options for fans unable to attend live, including broadcasts by Sky, WOW, and the local sports radio stations.
Schalke, who currently sit at 13th place with 27 points, are only six points clear of the relegation zone. Head coach Kees van Wonderen expressed his concern, stating, "We are all aware of the situation. It's a battle for points each week." Van Wonderen has made tactical changes, including bringing Loris Karius, the winter signing, back as the starting goalkeeper, replacing Justin Heekeren, who has struggled lately.
On the other hand, Münster, positioned 15th with 23 points, approaches this match with confidence after their recent win. Coach Sascha Hildmann has made changes to his formation following the Regensburg victory, reinstilling Kirkeskov and Mees back to the starting eleven after serving suspensions.
During their last three encounters, Schalke has triumphed over Münster, highlighting their historical dominance with three wins out of their last four meetings. Historically, Schalke boasts strong home performances against newly promoted sides, having recorded clean sheets against recent venturers.
Interestingly, Schalke enjoys retaining possession (averaging 55.2% per game), contrasting with Münster's strategy, which relies heavily on swift counterattacks, resulting in their possession being only 40.8% overall this season.
While Schalke hopes their attacking prowess, supported by Amin Younes and Christopher Antwi-Adjei, can provide the necessary goals, they must remain wary of Münster's significant players like Joshua Mees and the finsher Hólmbert Fridjónsson, who could change the game if introduced from the bench.
Adding to the atmosphere, fans from both sides expect the Veltins-Arena to be packed for this dramatic clash, generating the incendiary environment necessary for top-flight football. Weather conditions are expected to be chilly, ranging from 4°C to 7°C, with overcast skies expected throughout the day.
Both teams understand the stakes – this is not merely any match; it bears considerable significance for each side's hope for avoiding relegation.
Schalke's recent struggles raise questions about their defensive capabilities, as they have conceded 43 goals this season, making them one of the league's leakiest defenses. Conversely, Münster's defensive stats show they have allowed 32 goals, ranking them higher comparably.
Expectations are building for this second Bundesliga clash, with Schalke and Münster fans eagerly awaiting what could be a pivotal match. Tune-in details will be provided, allowing supporters to follow the action live through various platforms, ensuring no one misses this high-stakes battle.
The match coverage will begin live at 18:00 on Sky and WOW, leading to the match start at 18:30 for fans eager to cheer on their teams. Supporters look forward to engaging match highlights and minute-by-minute updates through live ticker services online.