FC Schalke 04 has been waiting for this for over a year: In the first home match after the return to the Bundesliga, it comes directly to a Bundesliga classic. We have the line-ups.

FC Schalke 04 will face Borussia Mönchengladbach (18.30/Sky). The ingredients for this game: dream weather, sold-out arena, two highly motivated teams with new coaches.

The course of the game is not difficult to predict: Gladbach rely on a lot of possession, calm combination play through the centre of the pitch. The Schalkers, hired by coach Frank Kramer, will start in a wait-and-see manner, concentrate on defending first, and want to be driven forward with the help of their vociferous fans. There are three changes in the starting eleven compared to the 1:3 defeat in the opener at 1. FC Köln. Malick Thiaw defends in the centre of defence for Marcin Kaminski. Cologne goal scorer Marius Bülter moves to the right wing for the suspended Dominick Drexler. And in attack, Second Division record scorer Simon Terodde is back, Sebastian Polter has to sit on the bench.

The Japanese defensive duel is eagerly awaited. The national team captain Maya Yoshida will defend for the Königsblauen, while S04 promotion hero Ko Itakura will defend for the Gladbachers. The NRW classic is also being followed with great interest in Japan.

Gladbach coach Daniel Farke will start with the same eleven that he sent out for the league opener against TSG Hoffenheim (3:1) a week ago. In the 4-2-3-1 system, Itakura and Nico Elvedi play in front of goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the defensive centre. Joe Scally defends on the right and Ramy Bensebaini on the left. Christoph Kramer and Manu Koné occupy the positions in defensive midfield, Jonas Hofmann and Alassane Pléa are expected to provide momentum on the wings. In the central position in attacking midfield, Florian Neuhaus will operate behind striker Marcus Thuram.