1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04 — form, head-to-head and match prediction
Our model makes FC Schalke 04 the pick at 48% for 1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04. Form trajectory, comparison data, head-to-head and the reasoning behind the call.
The fixture at a glance
1. FC Köln face FC Schalke 04 on 24 October 2026 at RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne. FC Schalke 04 are the model's favourite, with a win probability of roughly 48%. This matchday 7 fixture in Bundesliga is listed as 1. FC Köln - FC Schalke 04. Kick-off is 13:30 UTC.
Form analysis and trajectory
1. FC Köln: they come in on the back of a defeat, following one win, two draws and one defeat before that. That is one win, two draws and two defeats from the last five, worth 5 points. Their 2025-season record in our dataset (26 scored and 41 conceded in 20 matches, 1.3 and 2.05 per game) points to a fairly even balance between the two ends of the pitch. That is reflected in a form rating of 37.6 out of 100, and they sit 12th on a goal difference of -3.
FC Schalke 04: they come in on back-to-back defeats, following two wins and one draw before that. That is two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five, worth 7 points. Their 2025-season record in our dataset (27 scored and 22 conceded in 16 matches, 1.69 and 1.38 per game) points to a fairly even balance between the two ends of the pitch. That is reflected in a form rating of 40.9 out of 100, and they sit 15th on a goal difference of -3.
Side by side
| Statistic | 1. FC Köln | FC Schalke 04 |
|---|---|---|
| League position | 12th | 15th |
| Goal difference | -3 | -3 |
| Form (last 5, most recent first) | LWDLD | LLWWD |
| Points from last 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Goals scored / conceded (last 5) | 6 / 7 | 7 / 5 |
| Clean sheets (last 5) | 0 | 2 |
| Matches in our dataset (2025 season) | 20 | 16 |
| Goals per game, scored / conceded (2025) | 1.3 / 2.05 | 1.69 / 1.38 |
| Points per game (2025) | 0.7 | 1.81 |
| Form rating (0-100) | 37.6 | 40.9 |
| Players unavailable | 12 | 10 |
| Model win probability | 27% | 48% |
Key match insights
- Pre-match form ratings: 1. FC Köln 37.6 versus FC Schalke 04 40.9, a gap of 3.3, which aligns with the model's favourite.
- Goals outlook: A combined scoring line of 2.20, over 2.5 goals at 60% and both teams to score at 57%.
- First goal: Leans FC Schalke 04's way at 52%.
The call
The model tilts to FC Schalke 04 at 48%, without enough room to treat it as a formality. 1. FC Köln's form line and home advantage back it and the goals line points to over 2.5 goals.
This is a data-led read, not a certainty. The numbers are shown as they come out of the model so the basis for the call can be checked rather than assumed.
Frequently asked questions
Who is favoured to win the match: 1. FC Köln or FC Schalke 04?
FC Schalke 04, with an implied win probability of roughly 48%. The full split is 27% 1. FC Köln, 24% the draw and 48% FC Schalke 04.
When and where is 1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04 being played?
24 October 2026 at RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, kick-off 13:30 UTC.
Have 1. FC Köln and FC Schalke 04 met before?
Our records hold no previous meeting between the two sides.
What is the recent form of 1. FC Köln and FC Schalke 04?
1. FC Köln have taken 5 points from their last five (LWDLD), FC Schalke 04 7 from theirs (LLWWD). Most recently 1. FC Köln took a 0-1 defeat away at Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Schalke 04 a 0-1 defeat at home to FSV Mainz 05.
How many goals are expected in 1. FC Köln vs FC Schalke 04?
The model's combined scoring line is 2.20 — 1.20 for 1. FC Köln and 1.00 for FC Schalke 04. It rates over 2.5 goals at 60%.
Will both teams score?
The model rates both teams to score at 57%, so its call is yes.
Who is unavailable?
Our injury feed lists twelve players unavailable for 1. FC Köln and ten for FC Schalke 04 at the time of writing. Confirmed line-ups land about an hour before kick-off.