Hamburger SV v Schalke 04 Prediction and Preview – 26/09/15
Bundesliga preview – Hamburger SV v Schalke 04 prediction
Hamburger SV have had such a good start to the season that fit again Rene Adler has to play second fiddle to starting goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobny. Gojko Kacar is a slight worry but should be fit enough to start, if not Marcelo Diaz can deputise. With the team in such good form, Bruno Labbadia has no reason to make any changes.
Schalke may re-call captain Howedes but the pairing that started the season would be unfortunate to lose out. Junior Caicara will hope to keep his starting berth ahead of Sascha Riether. Leroy Sane deserves to keep his spot in the XI although there is severe competition from Max Meyer.
Possible Line-ups
Hamburg: 4-2-3-1 formation: Drobny; Diekmeier, Djourou, Spahic, Ostrzolek; Kacar, Holtby; Muller, Hunt, Ilicevic; Lasogga
Schalke: 4-4-2 formation: Fahrmann; Caicara, Matip, Neustadter, Kolasinac; Choupo-Moting, Goretzka, Geis, Meyer; Huntelaar, Di Santo
Statistics
Last 10 matches:
- Hamburg have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2
- Schalke have won 6, drawn 3 and lost 1
Over the course of their previous 10 matches:
- Hamburg have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game
- Schalke have scored an average of 1.8 goals and conceded an average of 0.6 goals per game
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in:
- 8 of Hamburg’s previous 10 matches
- 5 of Schalke’s previous 10 matches
Last season Hamburger SV secured a 2-0 victory at home and the return fixture resulted in a 0-0 draw.
Prediction
Hamburg sit 6th in the Bundesliga and have remained unbeaten in their last 4 home games. A midweek victory away to the impressive Ingolstadt show they can dig in and fight for victories as well as playing their expansive football which has been such a delight to watch this season. This top 6 clash is the top contender for game of weekend.
Schalke are on a fantastic 4 game win streak, conceding only one goal to Mainz at the beginning of this winning run. The 2-0 victory over Frankfurt on Wednesday night will have kept the coach happy, especially considering the fire power held by their opponents. Schalke would prefer Franco Di Santo to get back among the goals like last season to take the pressure off partner Huntelaar.
We have went for Schalke to come out on top in this tough battle. Hamburg are undefeated in 5 at home and Schalke are on a 3 game win streak so something has to give. Both teams to score but Schalke to edge it in the latter stages.
Tips
Schalke to win either half at 8/11 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Over 2.5 goals with Both Teams to Score at 6/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
HT/FT: Draw-Schalke at 5/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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