FC Schalke 04 - 1899 Hoffenheim

Statistic:

- Schalke won all the last 4 BL games against 1899 at home.

- In these matches they scored at least 3 goals (13-2 goals).

- Schalke won only 1 of the last 7 BL games (3-1 vs. Hannover last home game).

- In these period they got only 5 Points.

- With only 24 Points after 16 Rounds they playing the weakest Season since 5 years now.

- Schalke could win 11 of their 12 home games on friday evening, 1 draw.

- 1899 could win only 1 of the last 10 BL road games (1-3-6).

- Former Schalke Coach Stevens sits on bench from 1899 Hoffenheim now.

- 1899 need every Point to get out of danger zone.

Normally S04 has a lot of potential but they were not able to bring this on the pitch in the last games. Only against Hannover they were able to show a bit of their strength. It depends all on the youngsters, if they are in game and can bring all their power on the pitch Schalke is doing well but if these guys are not involved in their play it is hard to win matches. Above all both wings Mayer and Sane has a lot of potential and quickness to overcome every defense in this league. To get a bit more power in offensive Coach Breitenreiter is thinking to changes his system to 4-4-2 with Huntelaar and Di Santo up front. Behind them can play Choupo Mouting while the youngsters comes over the wings. In midfield they can count on Geis and Goretzka. First one is key for free kicks and corners and should bring some danger in their play with it anyway. The defensive line with Matip and Höwedes had some problems recently and they can get some with the quick offensive players from Hoffenheim like Volland, Schmid and Amiri are. On the back wing is Caicara ready while Aogo face some problems and must be replaced form Kolasinac again. Overall a strong lineup with a lot of power and potential.

1899 coming to Schalke with the first home win in bag. Ok, it was a narrow 1-0 win with some luck but only the result count and this was in their favor what was important. Of course they want to walk on because they need every Point to get out of the bottom. For this Coach Stevens has of course some tactical surprises but he does not talk about. Therefore we can only think that he allows the same lineup to start again. This means that Polanski is on bench again but he has a change to move into the starting lineup because Schwegler has some problems and is a doubt at the moment. He should face a late test maybe. But also Rudy is an option there and he is the more prepared player for opening the game in midfield. This is not the strength from Polanski as he is more a fighter. Despite the last win it was not all well above all the defensive work was not so good and they showed some weakness there and with a bit of luck from Hannover they should have scored one or two. If they allow again or make some mistakes Schalke are more clinical and use this. Up front they have a lot of good players which can be the difference on a good day. With Schmid, Amiri, Volland, Elyounoussi and also on bench with Vargas, Uth and Szalai.

We see a lot of potential in both offensive lines and goals will come here for sure. We had in all meeting between these two sides goals above all Schalke scored a lot at home against 1899. In 6 of their last 7 they scored at least 2 goals or more and could only kept a clean sheet in 3 of them. Overall it is hard to see both not to score here. If Schalke can take the lead the matches is going in their favor and with Sane they have an excellent counter player who can overcome them and create or score some. Additional could Hoffenheim only keep a clean sheet in 2 of their 8 away games. 

PICK: OVER 2,75 @ 1,96 (3 Units / Flat Stake)