"CUP" MSV Duisburg - FC Schalke 04

This game has something from a "Bundesliga" duel what was the case many years ago. The last game between these two clubs was also in Cup 2011. It was the same situation like today, MSV played 2.BL and they were able to go through to the Final where they meet Schalke 04 but they lost 0-5 there. This time they want to be a much better opponent and they want also avoid such a high defeat what is not very helpful in their situation right now. They lost both matches to begin of the 2.Bundesliga and showed not much. Their self confidence is not the best but this is a competition where they can get some back with some surprise here. If they beat Schalke this would be a dream but they are not so confident about themselves and they hope more for a close match and that they can be even with Schalke. But for this they have to improve a lot and they should avoid the mistakes they have made in both league matches so far.

The preparation is over for Schalke, this is their first important match in Cup and they have to win it. Nothing more would be expected from them. Coach Breitenreiter said that this is the most easy way to get a title. They have only to win 7 games and all is done, but of course it is a long way and they have to look from opponent to opponent. With Geis, di Santo and Caicara are three new signings expected in the starting lineup. All the other positions are also contested because Breitenreiter has a lot to choose from with only Höwedes, Uchida and Giefer out. The options are there and it is all up from form and feeling what he fields today.

Duisburg Coach Lettieri has some opposing wind from media and pundit but he knows this very well that they have to improve a lot and that this game can be a good chance to take this good feeling and self confidence into the next League match what let them have a bit following wind. He said that they need some luck and a good performance that they are able to beat Schalke but on such a day all is possible above all in Cup. The situation in squad is not the best right now. With Hajri and Albutat they miss already two players for the position in central midfield and the next is out too with Dausch. This means that new signing Holland is immediately in the starting lineup and plays beside Bohl. The Australian has played some minutes in Bochum already but he should be not at 100% fitness. Also some tactical matching and so on are not sure for 100%.
Therefore they have to work on their starting lineup a bit. All is possible, if they play with 5 guys in defensive line or maybe 4-2-3-1 with Janjic behind the lone striker. The attacker who plays there is also open because Onuegbu disappointed in both games and should be on bench now, with Iljutcenko and Brandstetter they have two alternatives there. But nevertheless the support from the midfield team mates are needed hardly. All are required to improve their performance and help for a better offensive play. With Janjic, Bröker and Grote who gets a new chance here they should have good opportunities there but is this enough against a team from BL?

If we compare the performances from both first games, MSV should have a hard match ahead but we know also Schalke and it was always some kind of a lucky bag recently. Maybe with the new Coach not but we will see. Former Schalke hero Olaf Thon said 3-0 win for S04 !!!