Schalke 04 host RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on October 31, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 14:30 local time at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Schalke enter the match in 16th place after a difficult run marked by limited attacking output, while fifth-placed Leipzig arrive having won their last two matches. The visitors have the stronger league record, but their away performances leave an opening for a home side seeking a response to its recent cup defeat.

Schalke 04's Recent Form and Key Stats

Schalke 04 have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five matches, scoring an average of just 0.4 goals per game during that spell. Their Bundesliga record stands at one win, three draws and three defeats, with averages of 0.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded. Those figures underline where improvement is most urgently needed: creating and finishing chances.

A 2-0 defeat to Dynamo Dresden on October 28 added to Schalke's concerns. After that cup exit, Kenan Karaman acknowledged that the team had been passive in the first half and had not found the right solutions in possession. The recent scoring numbers offer little reassurance: three of Schalke's last ten matches ended without a goal for either side, as did two of their last ten home games.

Schalke are also dealing with injury problems. El-Faozi, Schallenberg and Sylla were among those recently absent, Adamu's availability is uncertain, and Wöber is expected to remain out into the new year. Despite their wider difficulties, the hosts have led at half-time in six of their last ten home matches. A positive opening period could therefore be especially important as they look to regain confidence.

RB Leipzig's Recent Form and Key Stats

RB Leipzig have three wins and two defeats from their last five matches. They have averaged 1.8 goals scored and 2.2 conceded across that run, suggesting that their games have offered chances at both ends. In the Bundesliga, Leipzig have won four and lost three, scoring an average of 2.9 goals per match while conceding 1.6.

The visitors beat Rot-Weiss Essen 2-1 on October 27, with Christoph Baumgartner scoring twice. His return has eased Leipzig's personnel concerns, although Ouedraogo remains unavailable. The team has generally produced better results at home than away, and earlier trips to Munich and Madrid brought a combined ten goals conceded. Turning their recent wins into a stronger away performance is the challenge here.

Leipzig's away statistics point to an eventful start and a continuing threat after the break. At least one first-half goal has been scored in each of their last 11 away matches, yet Leipzig have trailed at half-time in their last six away games. A second-half goal has been scored in each of their last 18 away matches, and at least two goals have been scored in each of their last 11 away fixtures. Leipzig have also scored in 19 of their last 20 matches.

Schalke 04 vs RB Leipzig Match Analysis

The contrast between Schalke's attacking struggles and Leipzig's stronger scoring record shapes this Bundesliga preview. Schalke have found goals hard to come by, but Leipzig's recent defensive average and away difficulties give the hosts reason to believe they can compete. Leipzig, meanwhile, will look to carry the momentum of consecutive victories into a fixture in which they have enjoyed the better head-to-head results.

RB Leipzig have won all five meetings covered by the supplied head-to-head record, with Schalke averaging 0.6 goals scored and 4.4 conceded in those games. The most recent meeting, on May 27, 2023, finished 4-2. That history favors the visitors, though Schalke's record of leading at the interval in six of their last ten home matches cautions against assuming Leipzig will control the opening stages.

First-half scoring is a particularly clear theme in the available figures. Leipzig's last 11 away matches have all featured a goal before the break, while their six consecutive away half-time deficits show that an early goal has not necessarily gone their way. Schalke need a sharper attacking display than they produced against Dresden; Leipzig need to avoid another slow start on the road. Those competing pressures could make the opening 45 minutes central to how the match develops.

Schalke 04 vs RB Leipzig prediction from BetMines: Over 0.5 goals at Half-Time with 82% probability.