Schalke are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1, with Karius in goal — though his training status is worth monitoring — and a back three of Kuruçay, Katić, and Timo Becker. The wing-backs, likely Dejan Ljubičić and Robin Gosens, will push high to stretch Elversberg's midfield. Up top, Adamu leads the line with Karaman and Aouchiche floating in the half-spaces. Elversberg will counter with a disciplined 4-2-3-1, designed to screen their back four and frustrate Schalke's two attacking midfielders. Their compact midfield pairing of Keidel and Poreba will look to deny space between the lines, while the pace of Cole Campbell and David Mokwa on the break is a genuine threat. The key battle will be in central midfield: if Schalke's double pivot of El-Faouzi and Schallenberg can dominate, they will control the rhythm. But Elversberg's low block is designed to absorb pressure and hit on the counter — Schalke must be wary of overcommitting their wing-backs.