Schalke W vs SGS Essen W - DFB Pokal - Women

When Schalke W and SGS Essen W clash at the home ground on September 27, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a DFB Pokal - Women fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is little to choose between Schalke W and SGS Essen W on paper, and the DFB Pokal - Women encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. SGS Essen W's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool's, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Schalke W will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate SGS Essen W's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Baleba failed to register a single Premier League goal or assist Under Fabian Hurzeler in 2025/26, despite featuring 31 times in total.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.