Prediction Lokomotive Leipzig vs Schalke 04 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the DFB Pokal on 17/08/2025

Match preview

A classic David vs Goliath narrative frames the opening round tie of the DFB Pokal as Lokomotive Leipzig prepare to host Schalke 04 at the Bruno-Plache-Stadion in Leipzig on 17 August 2025. The encounter pits a Regionalliga side that has found real momentum at home against a club with bigger league pedigree and cup ambitions. With Max Burda appointed as referee and a compact crowd capacity of 10,900 expected, the setting promises an intimate, high-energy cup atmosphere where underdog passion could unsettle a visiting favourite.

Form and recent results

Lokomotive Leipzig arrive with encouraging recent form. The hosts have been hard to beat across their last ten outings, compiling five wins, four draws and a single loss. Their most recent victory was a narrow 1-0 success over ZFC Meuselwitz in the Regionalliga Nordost, a result that underlines a defence that can grind out results and a side comfortable in tight, low-scoring contests. Conversely, Schalke‘s recent pattern reads as inconsistent; three wins and a solitary draw sit alongside six defeats in their last ten matches. The Royal Blues come off a 1-0 loss at Kaiserslautern in the 2. Bundesliga, a result that could dent confidence but also act as a sharp reminder that the team still has quality to impose in one-off cup fixtures.

Tactical considerations and venue

The neutral facts of the Bruno-Plache-Stadion favour the home team in atmosphere if not necessarily on paper. Lokomotive’s recent string of tight scorelines suggests a pragmatic approach that could frustrate Schalke, who have alternated between clinical displays and defensive fragility. The cup format and a single knockout day mean Schalke must be wary of a side that knows how to make matches ugly and test patience. Travel, local support and the compact dimensions of the stadium could tilt marginal advantages towards the hosts in the opening 45 minutes, while Schalke’s superior resources and experience may tell as the game opens up.

Prediction

Balancing form, league context and betting markets, the sensible headline is that Schalke remain favourites. The bookmakers price Schalke at 1.60 (62.5% implied probability) with Lokomotive a long shot at 5.00 (20%). However, this contest carries genuine upset potential given Lokomotive’s home resilience and Schalke’s recent patchy run. Expect a tight, competitive contest that could be decided by a single moment of quality.

Betting suggestion: 1X2 market — back Schalke 04 to win.