Miron Muslic: Both teams have worked hard to be where they are in the table

“The teams that are in second and first place on matchday 14 are not there by chance. Both sides have worked hard for their position in the table over the past weeks and months,” said Miron Muslic, who nevertheless isn’t placing too much importance on the table. “Our mindset will remain the same. We will take each game as it comes, approach things week by week and look to keep developing as a side.”

The S04 head coach is expecting a high-intensity contest against Paderborn, in which both teams press aggressively and refuse to ease off. “I’m expecting lots of energy from both sides. Paderborn will push us all the way and take us to our limits – and we want to do exactly the same to them,” explained Muslic. “In recent weeks we’ve shown we can win games against top opponents.”

For Friday’s clash with the league leaders, Muslic knows his team will once again be able to count on the support of their fans. “We know that it’s never 11 against 11 when we play at the VELTINS-Arena. There are 62,000 Schalker united together against our opponents.”

Schalke strong at home, Paderborn strong away

It’s this support that has helped to make the VELTINS-Arena a real fortress this season, with S04 winning five of their six home games in 2025/26. Muslic’s team are ranked fourth in the home-form table – the three teams above them have all played one extra game at home. 1. FC Kaiserslautern are currently the league’s strongest side on their own turf, claiming 16 points to date.

SC Paderborn are likely to be unfazed by the Knappen’s strong home form this season. The team coached by Ralf Kettemann, who took over at the start of this season, are unbeaten on their travels (W4, D2) and have only conceded three goals in away games. “Paderborn’s game is built on a clear structure, beginning with their first line of attack. They hunt in packs, work hard to keep teams away from their goal and are also very good at defending their own penalty area.”

SCP’s style of play saw them rack up eight straight wins to put them top of the table, a run that was ended last time out with a 2-0 defeat at home to Hannover 96. “I have the upmost of respect for Paderborn. They have consistently done lots of great work over the past few years.”

Vitalie Becker available again after suspension

Vitalie Becker, who missed the 0-0 draw in Münster through suspension, is available again for the visit of the league leaders. Bryan Lasme is also back in contention. The forward, who has scored twice in competitive fixtures this season, has returned to full training after recovering from a calf injury. Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Janik Bachmann had already made their comebacks last week after several weeks on the sidelines, with both featuring as substitutes in the goalless draw in Münster.

There is also further positive news regarding two more players who were recently unavailable. Amin Younes (thigh issue) and Zaid Tchibara (torn ACL) have both been reintegrated into parts of team training. A question mark remains over the involvement of Adrian Gantenbein, who was unable to train with the squad on Wednesday.