Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg: Prediction, Lineups & Kickoff Time | Bundesliga 2. 2025/26

On: December 12, 2025 2:12 AM

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Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Match Preview

A historic “Freundschaftsderby” (Friendship Derby) lights up the Veltins Arena on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Schalke 04 are flying high at the top of the table, sitting 1st with 34 points and boasting the league’s best defense (only 8 goals conceded). They are looking to cement their status as title favorites. FC Nuremberg, currently 11th with 19 points, have struggled for consistency and arrive off the back of a frustrating draw in the Franconian Derby. While the fans share a friendship, the action on the pitch will be fierce as Nuremberg tries to upset the league leaders.

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Match Info

Competition: 2. Bundesliga (Matchday 16)
Venue: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen (Capacity: 62,271)
Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
Kickoff: 20:30 CET | 19:30 GMT | 01:00 IST (Sunday)
Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Match Stakes

Schalke 04 (1st — 34 pts):

Win → Moves to 37 pts; consolidates top spot and pushes for Winter Championship
Draw → Maintains unbeaten run but allows chasers to close the gap
Loss → A rare slip-up at home; dominance slightly questioned

FC Nuremberg (11th — 19 pts):

Win → Jumps to 22 pts; moves into the top half of the table
Draw → A respectable point against the league leaders
Loss → Stays stuck in the bottom half; pressure mounts to avoid relegation battle

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Team News

Schalke 04:

Hojlund E. — Out (Heel Injury)
Kalas T. — Out (Lacking Match Fitness)
Younes A. — Out (Thigh Injury)
Becker T. — Out (Knee Injury)
Schallenberg R. — Questionable (Inactive – Late Check)

FC Nuremberg:

Grzywacz E. — Out (Knee Injury)
Koudossou H. — Out (Ankle Injury)
Danilo Soares — Questionable (Recovering from surgery)

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Schalke 04

05/12 — 2–0 vs Düsseldorf (2. Bundesliga)
28/11 — 2–1 vs Paderborn (2. Bundesliga)
22/11 — 0–0 vs Preussen Münster (2. Bundesliga)
14/11 — 0–1 vs Twente (Friendly)
08/11 — 1–0 vs Elversberg (2. Bundesliga)

FC Nuremberg

07/12 — 2–2 vs Greuther Fürth (2. Bundesliga)
30/11 — 0–3 vs Magdeburg (2. Bundesliga)
23/11 — 2–0 vs Arminia Bielefeld (2. Bundesliga)
07/11 — 2–1 vs Dynamo Dresden (2. Bundesliga)
01/11 — 2–1 vs Braunschweig (2. Bundesliga)

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

25/01/2025 — Schalke 3–1 Nuremberg
10/08/2024 — Nuremberg 3–1 Schalke
14/04/2024 — Schalke 2–0 Nuremberg
04/11/2023 — Nuremberg 1–2 Schalke
10/01/2023 — Schalke 0–1 Nuremberg (Friendly)

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Schalke 04 (3-5-2)

Hoffmann; Kaminski, Sanchez, Cisse; Bulut, Seguin, Bachmann, Tempelmann, Murkin; Karaman, Sylla

FC Nuremberg (4-1-4-1)

Reichert; Hofmeier, Jeltsch, Knoche, Villadsen; Flick; Justvan, Castrop, Jander, Okunuki; Tzimas

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Impact Bench

Schalke 04: Antwi-Adjei (Speed on counter), Garlasch (Defensive depth)

FC Nuremberg: Emreli (Goal threat), Lubach (Midfield energy)

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Tactical Analysis

Schalke 04

Karel Geraerts has built a fortress. Conceding only 8 goals in 15 games is elite defensive work. They play a disciplined system where the wing-backs push high, and Kenan Karaman drops deep to link play with Moussa Sylla. Against Nuremberg’s leaky defense, Schalke will look to control possession and strike efficiently.

FC Nuremberg

Miroslav Klose’s side is entertaining but fragile. They have conceded 21 goals and often struggle against disciplined teams. Nuremberg relies heavily on transition moments led by Julian Justvan and the aggression of Castrop in midfield. To get a result, they must break Schalke’s defensive rhythm, something very few teams have managed this season.

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Key Battles

Karaman vs Knoche — experienced forward vs veteran defender
Seguin vs Castrop — battle for midfield dominance
Murkin vs Villadsen — wing-back duel
Sylla vs Jeltsch — pace vs youthful positioning

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Spotlight Players

Schalke 04 — Kenan Karaman

The captain is the soul of this Schalke team. With Younes out, Karaman’s creativity and leadership are non-negotiable if Schalke wants to break down Nuremberg.

FC Nuremberg — Stefanos Tzimas

The young striker has potential but needs service. Facing the league’s best defense is the ultimate test. If he gets a chance, he must be clinical.

Schalke 04 vs FC Nuremberg — Prediction

Schalke 2–0 Nuremberg

Schalke are simply too strong at the back and too efficient at home. Nuremberg’s inconsistency makes it hard to see them breaching the “Royal Blue” wall. A professional home victory is the likely outcome.