On March 30, 2025, the 2. Bundesliga will see an exciting clash as SpVgg Greuther Fürth hosts FC Schalke 04 at the Sportpark Ronhof in Fürth. Kickoff is set for 13:30 local time, and fans can catch the action live on Sky, WOW, and OneFootball.
This match is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the league standings. Currently, both Greuther Fürth and Schalke find themselves in the mid-table, separated only by goal difference. Fürth sits in 12th place with 33 points, while Schalke is just one spot ahead in 11th, also with 33 points. Despite being in a relatively safe position, both clubs are eager to avoid any slip-ups as they approach the season's end.
Greuther Fürth has shown signs of improvement under the management of Jan Siewert, having stabilized in recent weeks after a rocky start to the season. The team has managed to secure nine wins and six draws so far, with their recent form including three matches without a loss, prior to a setback against 1. FC Nürnberg where they lost 3-0. This defeat was a wake-up call for the Kleeblätter, who will be looking to bounce back against Schalke, a team they have historically performed well against in the 2. Bundesliga.
In fact, Fürth has never lost to Schalke in the league, boasting a record of three wins and two draws in their last five encounters. This statistic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as the home side will be eager to extend their unbeaten streak against the Königsblauen.
For Schalke, the situation is more precarious. The team has struggled with consistency throughout the season, managing to win back-to-back matches only once. Their last outing saw them suffer a disappointing defeat against Hannover 96, where they squandered a lead late in the game. This inconsistency has left head coach Kees van Wonderen under pressure, as he seeks to secure his position for next season.
Adding to Schalke's woes, they will be without the services of key players for this match. Taylan Bulut, a promising right-back who has been a standout performer this season, is sidelined due to illness. He missed the previous match against Hannover and was unable to recover in time for this encounter. His absence is a significant blow to the team, as Schalke has only managed to win once this season when he was not on the pitch. In his place, Adrian Gantenbein will step into the starting lineup.
Furthermore, Schalke will also be missing experienced defender Marcin Kaminski, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. This absence could further strain their defense, which has already been vulnerable this season, conceding 24 goals in first halves alone. Both teams have struggled defensively, with Schalke allowing 46 goals overall, while Fürth has conceded 48, the third-worst record in the league.
On the offensive side, both teams have had their challenges as well. Fürth has only managed to score 37 goals this season, with their top scorer Noel Futkeu netting nine times. Despite their offensive struggles, Fürth has shown some promise with 19 goals scored from set pieces, the highest in the league. This could be a key factor in the match, especially given Schalke's defensive frailties.
Fans of both clubs will be eagerly watching to see if their teams can turn their fortunes around in this matchup. With only eight matches remaining in the season, every point is crucial as teams aim to finish strong and secure their places in the league for the next season.
The match will not be broadcast on free TV, but it can be followed live on Sky Sport Bundesliga 2, with commentary by Joachim Hebel. Viewers can also watch it via SkyGo and WOW, with a single match available for a fee on OneFootball.
As the teams prepare to face off, the stakes are high. For Schalke, a victory would help ease the pressure on their coach and boost their confidence as they strive for a top-half finish. For Fürth, a win would not only extend their unbeaten record against Schalke but also solidify their mid-table position.
Fans can expect an exciting encounter filled with drama, as both teams look to make their mark in the 2. Bundesliga this season. Will Greuther Fürth continue their dominance over Schalke, or can the Königsblauen finally break their winless streak against the Kleeblätter? Only time will tell as the match unfolds.
