1.FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04 Prediction & Betting Tips

Mixed form on both sides

Köln's Bundesliga results this season read one win, one draw and two defeats, including a heavy 4-1 loss at Stuttgart. Schalke have one win, two draws and a defeat in their league games, with a 3-1 win away at Union Berlin standing out as their best result.

1.FC Köln: 20 completed matches; FC Schalke 04: 20 completed matches.

1.FC Köln

20 matches

Win

30% 6 / 20

Draw

35% 7 / 20

Loss

35% 7 / 20

Scored

38

Conceded

38

Difference

0

FC Schalke 04

20 matches

Win

60% 12 / 20

Draw

10% 2 / 20

Loss

30% 6 / 20

Scored

36

Conceded

26

Difference

+10

The wider record for both clubs also includes cup ties and friendlies, which makes their overall numbers look better than the Bundesliga form alone suggests. Stick to the league games and it's a much more even picture between them.

Comparative Team Statistics: 1.FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04

History offers no strong lean

These two have met many times over the years, mostly in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, and results have swung back and forth rather than favouring either side for long. Their last two meetings were split, with each team winning once at home.

None of that older history tells us much about where either side stands right now, given how much time has passed since most of those games.

A close call near the wrong end of the table

Four games into the season, there's barely daylight between these two. Schalke sit 11th with five points, Köln are 13th with four.

Neither side has strung together much consistency yet, so the table doesn't hand either one a clear edge.

This looks like it could hinge on small margins rather than a gap in quality.

A few names worth flagging

Köln's Ellyes Skhiri has chipped in two assists in his last four appearances, so he's one to watch if Köln get bodies forward. Gideon Mensah has picked up two yellow cards in that same spell, which matters given how tight these table positions are.

1.FC Köln:

Best assist providers:

E. Skhiri - 2

Penalty cards:

G. Mensah x 2

FC Schalke 04:

Penalty cards:

R. Schallenberg x 1

For Schalke, Rafael Schallenberg has already picked up a red card in just two recent matches, a reminder that discipline could be an issue for the visitors as well.