Cologne vs Schalke 24 October 2026 Prediction

Cologne returns home after a 1-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt last matchday. All seven of its Bundesliga points this season have come at home. Schalke also lost 1-0, falling to Mainz at home for its second straight defeat. Both teams are in the bottom half of the table after six matches.

Inconsistent Form and Attacking Issues

Cologne came away empty-handed from its trip to Eintracht Frankfurt last matchday, losing 1-0. It created little going forward, recording nine shots, three on target and 0.80 expected goals (xG). Eintracht had 15 shots, seven on target and 1.80 xG. Cologne has lost every other league match this season.

It was also the first time Cologne had failed to score in this Bundesliga campaign. The team has eight goals from 10.07 xG, and its leading scorer in all competitions is central midfielder Jóhannesson, with three. Cologne is without injured forwards Dallinga and Ache, who have scored three of its eight league goals. Midfielder Skhiri, who has two assists in five league appearances, is also sidelined.

The League’s Lowest Goal Total and an Injury Concern Up Front

Schalke lost its second straight league match last weekend after a three-game unbeaten run. Mainz scored midway through the first half, and Schalke could not respond. Mainz held the edge in shots (10-9), shots on target (6-3) and xG (1.95-0.43).

Scoring has been Schalke’s main problem. Manager Miron Muslic’s team has four goals in six matches, the fewest in the Bundesliga. Its 6.83 xG is better than only four other clubs. Schalke has conceded just seven goals, but its 11.4 expected goals against (xGA) points to defensive issues as well. Karius has made 32 saves, the fourth-highest total among Bundesliga goalkeepers.

Edin Dzeko’s availability is Schalke’s main concern ahead of the trip to Cologne. The veteran forward suffered a head injury. Muslic has spoken positively about his chances of playing, but Dzeko remains questionable. Midfielder Ljubicic is out, leaving Schalke short in defensive midfield, while Karaman will miss the match with a muscle injury.

Cologne vs Schalke Predicted Lineup

Cologne (4-2-3-1): Schwäbe; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Sosa; Krauss, Jóhannesson; Maina, Mor, El Mala; Bülter

Unavailable: Ache, Dallinga, Hübers, Rondic, Skhiri, Van der Berg (all injured)

Manager: René Wagner

Schalke (3-4-3): Karius; T. Becker, Katic, Kuruçay; Dina Ebimbe, Tanaka, El-Faouzi, Gosens; Hwang, Adamu, Aouchiche

Unavailable: Højlund, Wöber, Sylla, Ljubicic, Schallenberg, Siebeking, Karaman (all injured); Lasme, Dzeko (both questionable)

Manager: Miron Muslic

Referee: Harm Osmers

Osmers has averaged 3.75 yellow cards and 21.15 fouls per match over his last 20 Bundesliga assignments. He has also shown four red cards and awarded eight penalties in that span.

Cologne vs Schalke Prediction: Cologne to Win

Main prediction: Home field could make the difference. Cologne has earned all seven of its league points at home, while Schalke has lost two of its three away matches. Schalke also let a lead slip against Freiburg despite having a player advantage. The pick is Cologne to win at 2.05.

Goals prediction: Neither team has scored consistently. Cologne has eight goals in six matches and was shut out for the first time this season in its latest game. Schalke has a league-low four goals, and both sides have injury concerns up front. An additional pick is under 2.5 goals at 2.30.