Schalke 04 vs FC Koln Prediction and Preview – 04/10/15
Bundesliga preview – Schalke 04 vs FC Koln prediction
Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes returns to the starting line up at centre back with Roman Neustadter forced to take a spot on the bench. Junior Caicara should start at right-back with Sascha Riether knocking on the door for a chance. Max Meyer and Leroy Sane will both want a chance to start on the left with Meyer just getting the nod.
FC Koln centre back Dominic Maroh may be ready to provide some experience to the defensive unit. Kevin Vogt may return in midfield should Koln what a more defensive option rather than the attacking Gerhardt. Peter Stoger is likely to once again go with two strikers, Anthony Modeste has been partnered by both Simon Zoller and more recently Yuya Osako in games this season.
Possible Line-ups
Schalke: 4-4-2 formation: Fahrmann; Caicara, Matip, Howedes, Aogo; Choupo-Moting, Geis, Goretzka, Meyer; Huntelaar, Santo
FC Koln: 4-4-2 formation: Horn; Olkowski, Sorensen, Heintz, Hector; Risse, Gerhardt, Lehmann, Bittencourt; Modeste, Osako
Statistics
Last 10 matches:
- Schalke have won 8, drawn 1 and lost 1
- FC Koln have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2
Over the course of their previous 10 matches:
- Schalke have scored an average of 2.2 goals and conceded an average of 0.5 goals per game
- FC Koln have scored an average of 1.9 goals and conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in:
- 6 of Schalke’s previous 10 matches
- 6 of FC Koln’s previous 10 matches
FC Koln completed the double over Schalke last season winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 away.
Prediction
Schalke have 6 wins from their last 6 games this season, conceding only 1 goal along the way. They currently sit 4th in the Bundesliga and the worrying thing for the competition to note is that neither Huntelaar nor Di Santo have began to find the net. The 4-0 home win midweek in Europe will set them up for this game and the team will be brimming with confidence.
FC Koln currently rank 8th in the Bundesliga but have been well beaten in their last two away games. A home draw last weekend to Ingolstadt will have frustrated Peter Stoger who will want to see more goals from his team. Anthony Modeste is the only real attacking threat Koln have to call upon and he currently has 5 goals and 2 assists this season.
We have went for goals in this one. The potential for goals is increased when you consider that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Franco Di Santo and Anthony Modeste will all be playing. Schalke have been on a great run and Koln are struggling
Tips
Over 2.5 goals at 8/11 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Schalke win and both teams to score at 12/5 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to score Anytime and Schalke win 2-1 at 11/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
Click here to see more Bundesliga previews, predictions and tips