Schalke vs. Mainz: probable teams, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Even with two matches left before the World Cup break and a further 19 in the new year, Schalke are in danger of being cast adrift at the foot of the Bundesliga. Defeat in Bremen was their seventh in a row in the Bundesliga - an ignominous club record - and leaves them six points outside the safe house. There's been nothing by way of a new coach bounce following the appointment of Thomas Reis, who was also in charge when Die Knappen lost 2-0 to Freiburg on Matchday 12. Schalke fans may point to on-going personnel problems at centre-back - Yoshida has been the only regular in the position this season - but the Ruhr outfit also rank as the division's second lowest scorers (12). The possible absence of three-goal forward Marius Bülter does them no favours in that regard. Jordan Larsson - son of legendary Sweden striker Henrik - could deputise as Schalke chase their second league win of the campaign.

On paper, the trip to Gelsenkirchen is a favourable proposition for Mainz. Despite back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich (6-2) and Wolfsburg (3-0), the 05ers are still only four points outside the top six after 13 matches. What's more, with 12 points from a possible 21, they are among this season's top five teams away from home. Marcus Ingvartsen returned to the starting line-up at the expense of Jonathan Burkardt last time out, and should retain his place alongside Karim Onisiwo in attack. The Mainz duo have accounted for nine of the team's 18 Bundesliga goals in 2022/23. Burkardt - touted as a potential future Germany international this time last year - hasn't scored since 30 April. With head coach Bo Svensson largely set on his preferred XI, the the likes of Leandro Barreiro, Delano Burgzorg and Angelo Fulgini can also expect to begin the contest on the bench once more.

Match stats

Dominick Drexler and Simon Terodde are Schalke's next best for goals (both two), after Bülter.

With four points (W1, D1) at the Veltins Arena this season, Schalke have the worst home record in the division.

The last three meetings between these sides have all ended in draws, while Schalke have lost just one of the last 10 fixtures (W6, D3, L1).

Ingvartsen's four league goals this season have come across his last five matches.

Onisiwo tops the Mainz charts alongside Ingvartsen. The 05ers have won every time the Austria international has found the back of the net in 2022/23.

Feat or famine: Mainz have won four and lost three of seven away Bundesliga matches so far this season.

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Probable teams

Schalke: Schwolow - Brunner, Matriciani, Yoshida, Mohr - Kral, Krauß - Drexler, Mollet, Larsson - Terodde (c)

Out: Cisse (muscular), Greiml (meniscus), Kaminski (calf), Ouwejan (knee), van den Berg (ankle), Zalazar (metatarsal)

Doubtful: Bülter (knock), Fährmann (muscular)

Coach: Thomas Reis

Mainz: Zentner - Fernandes, Hack, Caci - Widmer (c), Stach, Kohr, Lee, Aaron - Ingvartsen, Onisiwo

Out: Leitsch (exhaustion), Mustapha (thigh)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Bo Svensson

About the clubs FC Schalke 04

VELTINS-Arena

1. FSV Mainz 05

MEWA ARENA

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