1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04 prediction

THE FORECAST

Köln's stable home record (two wins and a draw at home this season) gives them a slight edge, though their heavy injury list — ten players out — significantly weakens their squad depth. Schalke arrive defensively organised under Muslić with two clean sheets but a tepid attack averaging just 0.7 goals per game, and their own injury crisis (nine absentees including Hojlund and Wober) limits their threat. Cool, wet and windy conditions suit a low-scoring, compact affair, and both sides face a DFB Pokal fixture within days, raising rotation risk and suppressing the likelihood of a high-tempo, high-scoring game.