Schalke 04 welcomes SC Paderborn to the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen for a crucial 2. Bundesliga clash on November 28, 2025, kicking off at 17:30 GMT+0. With referee Tobias Reichel from Germany overseeing the action, this match pits second against first in the league standings, highlighting a key fixture in the regular season where both teams vie for promotion spots.
The stadium, boasting a capacity of over 62,000, promises an electric atmosphere as Schalke aims to close the one-point gap at the top. This encounter in Germany’s second tier could shape the title race, with form and injuries playing pivotal roles in the outcome.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
As we gear up for this high-stakes duel, consider the recent performances that reveal each side’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Historical clashes add another layer, often deciding tight affairs through patterns in scoring and defense. Schalke vs Paderborn prediction today hinges on current momentum, where visitors hold an edge in consistency. Key stats from the last outings will spotlight trends like goal concessions and away resilience. Overall, these insights guide smarter wagers by focusing on verifiable data over speculation.
Schalke Results
Schalke enters this fixture amid a patchy run, struggling to convert dominance into wins despite their lofty position. A recent stalemate against a depleted opponent underscores issues in breaking down stubborn defenses. With injuries mounting, their depth faces a stern test against top competition.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 22.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Preussen Munster vs Schalke | 0:0 | D |
| 08.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Schalke vs Elversberg | 1:0 | W |
| 01.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Karlsruher SC vs Schalke | 2:1 | L |
| 29.10.25 | DFB Pokal | Darmstadt vs Schalke | 4:0 | L |
| 24.10.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Schalke vs Darmstadt | 1:0 | W |
Schalke’s form shows inconsistency, with only two wins in five games across competitions. Draws and losses highlight defensive lapses, especially away where they conceded multiple goals. Home victories offer hope, but the heavy cup defeat signals vulnerability against stronger attacks. Overall, their point haul keeps them competitive, yet recent dips suggest caution against in-form rivals. Addressing finishing woes could turn the tide in upcoming tests.
Paderborn Results
Paderborn arrives with confidence from a strong league streak, though a recent home slip reminds of potential pitfalls. Their road prowess stands out, securing points where others falter. Without fresh injuries, squad rotation might bolster their challenge against a wounded host.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 22.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Paderborn vs Hannover | 0:2 | L |
| 09.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Magdeburg vs Paderborn | 0:1 | W |
| 02.11.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Paderborn vs Greuther Furth | 2:1 | W |
| 29.10.25 | DFB Pokal | Paderborn vs Bayer Leverkusen | 1:3 | L |
| 25.10.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Dynamo Dresden vs Paderborn | 1:2 | W |
Paderborn’s record boasts three league wins in five, underscoring their title credentials. The home loss to Hannover breaks an eight-win run, but away triumphs demonstrate tactical discipline. Cup exit aside, their scoring efficiency persists, netting in most outings. Leadership at the summit reflects resilience, positioning them favorably for big games. Sustaining this away form could extend their unbeaten league away streak.
Schalke vs Paderborn Head-to-Head
Past meetings between these clubs often produce goals and drama, reflecting shifts in dominance over seasons. Schalke historically edges it, yet Paderborn’s recent upsets add intrigue to this rivalry. Analyzing these encounters reveals patterns in home advantage and clean sheets that could influence Friday’s tactics.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 02.05.25 | 2. Bundesliga | Schalke vs Paderborn | 0:2 |
| 06.12.24 | 2. Bundesliga | Paderborn vs Schalke | 2:4 |
| 09.03.24 | 2. Bundesliga | Schalke vs Paderborn | 3:3 |
| 29.09.23 | 2. Bundesliga | Paderborn vs Schalke | 3:1 |
| 18.02.22 | 2. Bundesliga | Schalke vs Paderborn | 2:0 |
Paderborn holds the upper hand in three of the last four, including a vital away win, while Schalke’s earlier successes fade in relevance amid current form disparities.
Predicted Starting Lineups
These forecasted starting elevens offer a glimpse into how both sides might line up for this 2. Bundesliga encounter, based on recent form, tactics, and available squad members.
Schalke Lineup
Karius (GK), Ayhan (DF), Katic (DF), Kurucay (DF), Matriciani (MF), El-Faouzi (MF), Schallenberg (MF), Porath (MF), Wallentowitz (AM), Karaman (AM), Sylla (FW).

Paderborn Lineup
Seimen (GK), Hansen (DF), Gotze (DF), Scheller (DF), Curda (MF), Baur (MF), Castaneda (MF), Obermair (MF), Bilbija (AM), Klaas (AM), Tigges (FW).

Injured and Questionable Players
This overview details key absentees for each club, impacting depth and strategy ahead of kickoff.
| Team | Player | Injury/Reason |
| Schalke 04 | Vitalie Becker | Suspension |
| Schalke 04 | Timo Becker | Knee Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Tomas Kalas | Lacking Match Fitness |
| Schalke 04 | Christian Gomis | Hamstring Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Emil Hojlund | Heel Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Bryan Lasme | Inactive |
| Schalke 04 | Amin Younes | Thigh Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Johannes Siebeking | Other |
| Schalke 04 | Aris Bayindir | Hamstring |
| Schalke 04 | Justin Heekeren | Inactive |
| Schalke 04 | Peter Remmert | Inactive |
| Schalke 04 | Christopher Antwi-Adjej | Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Anton Donkor | Injury |
| Paderborn | Calvin Brackelmann | Thigh Injury |
| Paderborn | Marcel Hoffmeier | Knee Injury |
| Paderborn | Joel Vega Zambrano | Other |
Key Factors to Watch
Before placing bets, weigh the elements that could sway this contest beyond basic stats. Injuries and suspensions disrupt team balance, particularly for hosts facing a crisis. Form guides, player contributions, and motivational contexts round out the picture for informed decisions.
- Schalke’s injury list hits 13 players, including goalkeeper Justin Heekeren, weakening their spine;
- Paderborn reports no new absentees, allowing full squad options like Stefano Marino for freshness;
- Schalke’s one win in four recent games signals a form slump, contrasting Paderborn’s eight straight league victories before their last defeat;
- Paderborn’s four consecutive away wins bolster confidence on the road;
- Key players like Schalke’s absent striker could drop their goal output by up to 30 percent based on prior data;
- No major scandals reported, keeping focus on pitch matters;
- Schalke’s home defensive record allows under 1.2 goals per game, but injuries may expose gaps;
- Paderborn’s unbeaten run in nine of ten league matches underlines their reliability.
Free Tips on Schalke vs Paderborn
This section provides complimentary betting advice drawn from statistical reviews of prior games and direct confrontations between these rivals. Focusing on elements that shape match dynamics, these suggestions help bettors spot edges in a contest where league leaders meet a close challenger. Specifically for this November 28 clash, the tips emphasize external influences and subtle trends to refine your wagering strategy.
- Factor in the forecasted conditions at Veltins Arena, with daytime highs around 3°C and light easterly winds, potentially slowing ball movement on a chilly pitch and favoring defensive setups over open play;
- Look at referee Tobias Reichel’s track record, dishing out roughly four yellow cards per 2. Bundesliga outing, which could open opportunities for bets on total bookings in a high-stakes encounter prone to fouls;
- Weigh the impact of stadium atmosphere, as Schalke’s massive home crowd often acts as an extra player, lifting spirits and performance against visitors like Paderborn who thrive more on the road;
- Assess fixture congestion, noting both squads enjoyed a full week since their last league matches on November 22, reducing tiredness risks and enabling sharper tactics from rested lineups;
- Track standout individual performances, highlighting Paderborn’s reliable midfielders like David Kinsombi in scoring form, contrasting Schalke’s reliance on veterans such as Simon Terodde to spark attacks amid squad challenges.
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Schalke vs Paderborn Match Prediction 2025
Given Paderborn’s superior form and Schalke’s mounting injury woes, the visitors appear poised to avoid defeat in this top-table showdown. Their unbeaten streak in most recent league games, coupled with strong results against Schalke lately, tips the scales away from the hosts. Schalke’s inability to capitalize on advantages, as seen in their draw against ten-man Munster, further erodes confidence in a home win. Paderborn’s road resilience, winning four straight away, suggests they can frustrate and counter effectively. While Schalke remains dangerous at the VELTINS-Arena, the point gap and momentum favor Paderborn securing at least a draw, making X2 a solid choice. Schalke vs Paderborn odds reflect this balance, with value on the away side not losing. Expect a tactical battle where Paderborn’s discipline prevails over Schalke’s depleted ranks. This prediction aligns with data showing Schalke failing to win four of their last five, against Paderborn’s nine unbeaten in ten league outings. Betting on the draw or away win minimizes risk in a match likely to stay competitive.
Our Prediction: Schalke 1-1 Paderborn
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Draw | 1.48 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.68 |
| Total Goals | Under 3.5 | 1.32 |
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