Elversberg arrive at the Veltins-Arena on September 20 as arguably the most entertaining side in the Bundesliga right now. Back-to-back victories over Bayer Leverkusen (3-2) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (4-3) have produced seven goals scored in just two matches, and even their sole defeat — a narrow 1-2 loss to Bayern München — showed a team utterly unafraid to trade blows with the biggest names in German football. The question facing Schalke 04 is whether their own mixed form is enough to contain such attacking exuberance.

The Royal Blues' recent run tells the story of a side still searching for consistency. A commanding 3-1 victory over Union Berlin was followed by a creditable goalless draw against Bayern München, proof that Schalke can dig in when required. But the wheels came off in their most recent outing, a chastening 0-3 defeat at the hands of Augsburg that exposed defensive frailties. That result will have stung, and head coach and players alike will be desperate to bounce back in front of their home supporters.

The key battle in this fixture could well be in midfield. Schalke showed against Bayern that they can frustrate possession-heavy opponents, yet Elversberg are a different proposition — they do not simply hold the ball but attack with directness and pace, as their seven goals in two games demonstrate. If Schalke sit too deep, as they appeared to against Augsburg, Elversberg's forwards will relish the space behind the defensive line. Conversely, if Schalke press high and replicate the aggression of their Union Berlin performance, they could force turnovers against a side that has conceded five goals in its last two outings.

What is at stake is significant for both clubs. Schalke need a home win to steady the ship after the Augsburg humiliation and to prove the Bayern clean sheet was no fluke. Elversberg, riding a wave of confidence from consecutive wins over established Bundesliga opposition, will view this trip as an opportunity to cement themselves as genuine contenders for a top-half finish.

Prediction: This has goals written all over it. Elversberg's defensive vulnerabilities — five conceded in two games — should give Schalke chances, while the visitors' prolific attack is unlikely to be silenced. Expect an open, entertaining affair. Schalke's home advantage and need for a response tips the balance narrowly in their favour: Schalke 04 2-1 Elversberg.

Schalke 04 vs Elversberg