Preview: Bayern vs Schalke
As has been the tradition in the Bundesliga for many years, the reigning champions kick off the season with a home clash, which is contested on a Friday. And as Bayern have won the last eight consecutive titles, die Roten have been the team to welcome a slew of different sides to the Allianz Arena.
Their upcoming visitors this Friday will be none other than Schalke. Die Königsblauen are well known to Bayern, as they have locked horns time and time again, but unfortunately for David Wagner's side, who finished in 12th spot last season, they've historically struggled against the Bavarian titans, who also have an impeccable record when it comes to featuring in the curtain-raising match. In fact, save for last season, where they dropped two points in a shock draw with Hertha Berlin, Bayern have won all six of their seven season openers.
Schalke, for their part, have lost their last eight meetings with die Roten across all competitions, and that includes their last six Bundesliga fixtures. They will be facing a side still flying high after a fantastic year that saw them win their second Treble, and impressively completed their victorious Champions League campaign with a 100 per cent winning record. Overall, Hansi Flick's men will come into this match on a 13 game winning streak in the Bundesliga, and this game will likely see the debut of big signing Leroy Sane, who will feature against his former team.
By contrast, Schalke ended last term on a sour note, as they were unable to win a single fixture once the Bundesliga restarted in May. Suffice it to say, the odds of getting anything out of this upcoming game don't look good for Schalke, who will be taking on an opponent who are also unbeaten in their last 30 games across all competitions.
Team news: Bayern vs Schalke
Bayern: Veteran defender Jerome Boateng is a doubt for this match, while youngster Tanguy Nianzou is ruled out entirely with a thigh issue. Still, given Nianzou's age (he's only 18), it's hard to imagine that he would have been featuring in the starting XI even if he were fit.
Schalke: Defender Salif Sane is out with a knee injury, but save for him, Wagner will have all his other key players available for this game.
Match facts: Bayern vs Schalke
- Bayern have won their last 8 matches against Schalke across all comps...
- ...which includes their last six Bundesliga meetings
- During that spell, Schalke have only managed to score twice
Where to watch Bayern vs Schalke live on September 18, 2020
Bayern vs Schalke kick off at 11:30 PT/14:30 ET/18:30 GMT/20:30 CET
USA: FuboTV, Sling TV, ESPN Deportes, ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes+
Germany: TeleClub Sport Live, DAZN, ZDF
Australia: beIN Sports Connect, Kayo Sports, beIN Sports 1
Canada: Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World
UK: BTSport.com, BT Sport 1, BT Sport App
Live elsewhere? Here are your options to watch Bayern vs Schalke from your current location:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.