1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04 Prediction

Köln host Schalke at RheinEnergieStadion on 24 October 2026 at 16:30 in a Bundesliga fixture where the hosts' home strength should prove decisive. Köln won four of their last ten at home, averaging 2.00 goals scored per game and collecting 2.20 points per match on their own pitch. They arrive after a 1-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt but remain unbeaten at home this season. Jole Schmied picked up an injury against Frankfurt, with Alessio Castro-Montes stepping in as replacement. Schalke sit in poor form, winless in three matches after losing 1-0 to Mainz last weekend. They managed just 0.43 expected goals in that defeat and face an injury concern with Edin Dzeko racing against time to be fit, leaving Hee-Chan Hwang as a potential alternative. Despite their recent struggles, Schalke have won 67% of their away matches and averaged 2.50 goals scored on the road, so they carry attacking threat despite their current slump.

Form and H2H

Köln's last ten matches show four wins, three draws, and three losses at home, while Schalke have recorded three wins, three draws, and four losses away. The head-to-head record between these sides favours Köln in recent years. Schalke won decisively in 2011 and 2012, but Köln have dominated the fixture since 2014, winning three of the last four meetings and keeping clean sheets in two of those victories. Köln's defensive record remains a concern, however, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten matches across all competitions.

Best Bet

Köln to Win at 2.04 with Melbet, 2.12 with 1xBet, 2.05 with 1Win, or 2.04 with Mostbet. Köln's home record and recent head-to-head advantage over Schalke, combined with Schalke's current winless streak and injury troubles, make the hosts the clear choice. The prediction is Köln 2-1 Schalke.

Odds to Watch

Over 2.5 goals offers value given both teams' attacking averages and the fixture's historical tendency toward open play. The Draw at 3.84 with Melbet, 3.98 with 1xBet, 3.83 with 1Win, or 3.73 with Mostbet carries minimal appeal given Köln's home dominance and Schalke's form. Schalke to Win at 3.3 with Melbet, 3.43 with 1xBet, 3.33 with 1Win, or 3.27 with Mostbet is a long shot for a team struggling to create chances.