Nurnberg wll get the chance to test themselves against Bundesliga opposition this Wednesday evening as they entertain Schalke in Round Two of the DFB-Pokal.
The four time winners are currently in the midst of their third consecutive season outside of the top flight following relegation in the 2013/14 campaign and are very much a team in transition under new manager Alois Schwartz.
An indifferent start to the season (four wins, two draws, four defeats) means that Schwartz’ side are a little off the pace in the second tier and they will hope that a significant cup scalp can ignite a promotion push and bring further momentum after a decent 2-0 success against Hannover on Sunday.
Schalke are their potential victims and Nurnberg could not have wished for a better draw considering Schalke’s dismal start to the campaign.
Die Konigsblauen are languishing 16th after eight matches played however there was a degree of respite for manager Marcus Weinzierl at the weekend as his side turned in a much improved display to trounce Mainz 3-0 in Gelsenkirchen.
Schalke have been rather unfortunate to see key summer signings Koke and Breel Embolo side lined with long term injuries and their sluggish start is somewhat understandable after much of their pre-season optimism was dashed. They’ve also had to juggle Europe League football with their weakened, depleted squad.
It’s difficult to speculate but Weinzierl may well therefore sacrifice a domestic cup run this term and rest key players such as midfield lynchpin Benjamin Stambouli and Tottenham loanee Nabil Bentaleb as he seeks to lift his side up the Bundesliga table and secure qualification for the last 32 of Europe’s second competition.
Interestingly, the last five meetings between the teams include 3-0 and 4-1 victories for Nurnberg on home turf and whilst circumstances are different this time around, Schwartz’ side have the ability to hurt Schalke here with strike duo Guido Burgstaller and Tim Matavz bang in form – they each scored again at the weekend to take their combined 2016/17 tally to 12.
And with the hosts averaging two goals per game overall this season they look too big here to resist and cause a turn up against a Schalke side yet to consistently prove their form and wellbeing.
Head To Head
Schalke have 15 wins to Nurnberg's 6 with 7 draws played out between the sides.
Nurnberg vs Schalke Stats
Schalke have lost 3 out of their last 4 visits to Nurnberg, however, the last of those meetings was in 2014.
Nurnberg Team News
There are no key absentees for the hosts.
Schalke Team News
Koke and Breel Embolo are long term absentees. Midfielders Benjamin Stambouli and Nabil Bentaleb may be rested by coach Marcus Weinzierl.
