Dynamo Dresden host Schalke 04 in the second round of the DFB Pokal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 local time at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion in Dresden. The home side enter the tie after a difficult run of results, while Schalke have also been inconsistent. Dresden’s first cup match showed their scoring potential, but their broader form points to a demanding evening against visitors with the stronger recent head-to-head record.

Dynamo Dresden's Recent Form and Key Stats

Dynamo Dresden have won one of their last five matches, drawing once and losing three times. Across that spell, they have averaged 0.8 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game. Their latest result was a 3-0 defeat against Holstein Kiel on October 25, adding to the concern about their ability to keep opponents out. Looking further back, Dresden have won three of their last ten competitive fixtures.

Their DFB Pokal figures offer a different perspective. Dresden have played one match in the competition this season and won it, averaging 6.0 goals scored and 0.0 conceded. That cup performance gives the hosts a positive result to draw upon, even if their last five matches present a more challenging picture. The question for Dresden is whether they can bring that cup-level finishing into a tie against Schalke while improving on their recent defensive record.

Niklas Hauptmann is an important figure in Dresden’s build-up play, with his passing and runs into the penalty area offering ways to develop attacks. Forward Vincent Vermeij provides a target for longer passes and crosses. How regularly Dresden can involve those two may matter if they are to turn home advantage into clear chances.

There are also signs that Dresden’s matches tend to produce notable passages of action in both halves. At least one first-half goal has been scored in each of their last 12 matches, while 19 of their last 21 have featured a second-half goal. Dresden have led at half-time in nine of their last 13 home matches. Those figures make their start worth watching, although they do not erase the difficulties reflected in their recent results.

Schalke 04's Recent Form and Key Stats

Schalke 04 arrive after a 0-0 draw with FC Köln on October 24. They have recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.0 conceded. Over their last ten encounters, Schalke have won four, so they have had their own problems sustaining momentum. They have also been involved in three scoreless matches during that ten-game stretch.

Schalke’s DFB Pokal record this season consists of one draw, with averages of 2.0 goals scored and 2.0 conceded. That result shows both their ability to score in the competition and the need for greater defensive control. Their latest goalless draw, meanwhile, underlined the attacking inconsistency described in their recent performances.

Edin Džeko is a key attacking presence for the visitors, with his finishing and positioning offering a route to goal even when Schalke find chances difficult to create. Kenan Karaman is another important option: his physical presence and ability to link attacks could help Schalke make more of their possession. Dresden’s recent goals-conceded average gives the visitors an opening, but Schalke will still need to offer more going forward than they did against FC Köln.

Dynamo Dresden vs Schalke 04 Match Analysis

This DFB Pokal preview presents a contest with reasons for caution on both sides. Dresden’s one cup outing was emphatic, and their record of nine half-time leads in 13 home matches suggests they are capable of starting strongly. Yet their last five results, including the defeat to Holstein Kiel, show why a repeat of that cup performance cannot be taken for granted. Schalke have not been consistently convincing either, particularly in attack, but their last-five record is stronger and they have conceded fewer goals per game over that period.

The meetings between the teams add weight to Schalke’s case without suggesting an easy outcome. The most recent head-to-head finished 2-2 on February 7, 2026. Across the five matches covered by the supplied head-to-head record, Dresden have one win, one draw and three defeats, scoring an average of 1.0 goal and conceding 1.8. That history points to a difficult matchup for the hosts, though the latest draw shows they have been able to take something from Schalke.

Another feature of Dresden’s recent games has been the number of corners: more than 7.5 were taken in 28 of their last 30 matches, and more than 8.5 in 21 of their last 23. Together with their first- and second-half goal trends, those figures suggest there may be plenty of activity around this tie. They do not, however, settle which side will make better use of its opportunities. Dresden must balance the attacking promise of their cup performance against the defensive issues evident in their wider run; Schalke must turn their relative recent stability into a more decisive display in front of goal.

On balance, Schalke 04 have the stronger case for victory. They have won more of their last five matches, conceded fewer goals per game in that span and hold the advantage in the five-match head-to-head record. Dresden’s home setting and cup result make this far from straightforward, but their recent defeats leave Schalke with an opportunity to take the tie.

Dynamo Dresden vs Schalke 04 prediction from BetMines: Schalke 04 win (2) with 47% probability.