Schalke 04 vs Paderborn prediction 28.11.2025 | Bundesliga II

Schalke O4 return to Bundesliga II action after a goalless draw against Munster last weekend. Despite facing ten men for over 30 minutes following the second-half dismissal of Johannes Schenk, Die Königsblauen were unable to find a breakthrough at LVM-Preußenstadion.

Miron Muslić's men have gone off the boil in recent weeks, with just one win picked up in their four most recent competitive fixtures. Schalke slipped to a painful 4:0 DFB Pokal defeat at Darmstadt before a 2:1 Bundesliga II defeat at Karlsruhe earlier this month. 

Despite their recent dip in form, the hosts remain second in the Bundesliga II, just one point behind Paderborn ahead of Friday's top-of-the-table clash. 

Head coach Muslić faces a major selection crisis this weekend, with a huge number of absentees. Reports indicate that 13 first-team players are unavailable, with second-choice goalkeeper Justin Heekeren the latest to join the growing injury list.

Paderborn make the trip to the VELTINS-Arena looking to bounce back from a surprise 2:0 home defeat against Hannover last weekend. Benjamin Källman's first-half brace secured the points for Christian Titz's side. 

The in-form visitors had strung together eight consecutive Bundesliga II wins before last week’s setback at the Home Deluxe Arena.

Paderborn remain unbeaten in nine of their last ten league outings and have been outstanding on the road, winning each of their last four away matches. SCP come into this fixture sitting one point clear at the top of the table.

Head coach Ralf Kettemann has no new injury issues this weekend. Stefano Marino and Nick Bätzner are among those who could come into contention should the hosts opt to freshen their selection on Friday.