2. Bundesliga Topspiel preview: Greuther Fürth vs. FC Schalke 04

Preview, team news and predicted lineups as Fürth welcome Schalke to the Sportpark Ronhof on Saturday evening.

Greuther Fürth 

Despite propping up the table, Fürth remain firmly in the survival fight. The relentless unpredictability of the 2. Bundesliga has kept Heiko Vogel’s side within touching distance of safety – they sit bottom, but just one point adrift of climbing out of the drop zone.

Two wins from their last five outings underline their inconsistency, yet last weekend’s 2-1 home victory over Arminia Bielefeld may prove a turning point. Goals from Branimir Hrgota and Dennis Srbeny sealed a much-needed three points, ending a two-game losing streak and securing their first home win since November.

Vogel is keen to focus on what his side can control rather than Schalke’s league-leading status:

“We know our strengths, which lie in our offense. We have to calm the game down, because Schalke’s periods of possession will be extremely stressful; we have to be highly focused.”

Fürth will be hoping to improve on their home form against tough opposition, Vogel’s men have only recorded three home wins all season. Their last victory against Schalke came in October 2024. 

Team news: David Abrangao, Sascha Bansé, Julian Green, Marco John and Timo Schlieck are unavailable. 

Predicted lineup (3-4-1-2): Prüfrock (GK) – Elvedi, Ziereis, Münz – Dehm, Will, Arifi, Keller – Hrgota – Srbeny, Ltaief 

FC Schalke 04 

Schalke endured a stuttering start to 2026, going winless in their opening four matches of the calendar year. However, back-to-back victories have steadied the ship and propelled them back to the summit, albeit with only a one-point cushion at the top.

Their dramatic 5-3 win over Magdeburg last time out showcased both their firepower and their vulnerability. The league’s strongest defence was unusually exposed, but the attack – spearheaded by Kenan Karaman’s brace – proved decisive in a chaotic contest.

Schalke boss Miron Muslić insists league positions count for little in this division:

“Every game in this league is tight and even. That’s why we’d be wise to start with the same spirit and the same intensity as we did recently in Kiel and against Magdeburg. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves every chance of being successful.”

Schalke won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Veltins-Arena thanks to a Fin Porath strike. Yet their away form remains patchy – just two wins from their last five on the road – and they have not tasted victory in Fürth since 2012.

Team news: Vitalie Becker, Emil Højlund, Tomáš Kalas, Bryan Lasme and Henning Matriciani 

Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Karius (GK) – T. Becker, Katić, Kuruçay, N’Diaye – El-Faouzi, Schallenberg – Ljubičić, Karaman, Aouchiche – Džeko