Matchday in focus: FC Schalke 04 

Operating in a 4-2-3-1 system, Schalke are looking to secure their top-flight status in their final two games of the campaign. 

Nach fast einer Halbserie verletzungsbedingter Anlaufzeit ist Aurélio Buta seit seinem Bundesligadebüt Anfang des Jahres gegen den kommenden Gegner FC Schalke 04 in Frankfurt durchgestartet.

In the reverse fixture against Schalke, Aurelio Buta scored on his Bundesliga debut in a 3-0 victory.

Tactics

FC Schalke 04 have been operating in a 4-2-3-1 system under Thomas Reis in recent weeks. Alexander Schwolow has replaced the injured Ralf Fährmann in goal, while the back four has also been in a constant state of flux due to personnel issues. January signing Moritz Jenz could return to central defence alongside Marcin Kaminski, providing cover behind Tom Krauß and Alex Kral in holding midfield.

Marius Bülter is suspended.

Absentees

Reis is without Marius Bülter (suspended), Justin Heekeren, Soichiro Kozuki (both injured) and Fährmann (light training after injury).

As for Eintracht, Kristijan Jakic, Hrvoje Smolcic (both injured) and Philipp Max (light training) are sidelined, while Lucas Alario (knee) is a doubt.

One to watch: Moritz Jenz

Schalke wasted little time in bolstering their defensive options during the winter transfer window. The loan signing of Moritz Jenz from FC Lorient brought immediate stability to their back line.

Moritz Jenz joined Schalke after spells at FC Lausanne-Sport, FC Lorient and Celtic.

The centre-back joined Schalke after spells at FC Lausanne-Sport, FC Lorient and Celtic.
The 24-year-old has made an immediate impact in Gelsenkirchen, losing just once, conceding only ten goals and keeping five clean sheets in ten Bundesliga appearances.
Jenz was part of the Celtic side that went on to win the Scottish Premiership and League Cup this season. He also completed the whole 90 minutes in all six of the Glasgow outfit’s Champions League games this term.

Key battle: Kenan Karaman vs. Aurélio Buta

Aurélio Buta made his first competitive appearance for Eintracht in January’s reverse fixture against Schalke, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 triumph. The Portuguese has developed into a key player for the Eagles, registering three goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances. As a right wing-back, though, Buta also has defensive duties to focus on.

Kenan Karaman is the second fastest player at the Gelsenkirchen club.

With 121 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke, Düsseldorf, Hannover and Hoffenheim, German-born Turkey international Kenan Karaman is the most experienced player in Schalke’s squad. One of the forward’s key assets is his pace – with a top speed of 34.68 km/h, he is the second fastest player at the Gelsenkirchen club. If Eintracht can stop his deliveries from wide positions, it will boost their hopes of claiming all three points.