FC Cologne vs Schalke 04 Betting Tips and Predictions

FC Cologne’s form in February hasn’t been too great and Cologne come into this match having only picked up 1 point from the last 3 games. Mid-week they earned their point with a 72nd minute equalizer in a 1-1 away draw to mid-table FC Ingolstadt. Anthony Modeste was the goalscorer and he has been involved in 56% of all of FC Cologne’s goals this season (14 of 25) – which is the highest proportion of any player in the Bundesliga. Despite their poor form since the start of 2016 (6 points from a possible 18), Cologne’s position in the middle of the table hasn’t changed too drastically, thanks to the under-performance of the teams in the bottom half of the table, and they still have a comfortable 7 point cushion above the relegation zone.

Schalke 04 are unbeaten in 3 games in the Bundesliga after a strong 3-2 win against Hamburger SV during the week. Since being knocked out of the Europa League against Shakthar Donetsk last week, all focus will be on the league and securing themselves European football for next Season. They may be sitting in 6th place but they are 1 of 3 other teams within 1 point of a top 4 place (alongside Borussia M’gladbach and Mainz 05).

In 2016, only bottom of the league Hannover 96 have picked up fewer points (3 points) than hosts FC Cologne (6 points). FC Cologne will also be missing key player Anthony Modeste from a head injury he sustained after a high foot late in the midweek match against FC Ingolstadt. With Schalke 04 in good form, unbeaten in 3 matches, they’ll be looking to capitalise on a weakened FC Cologne side that are yet to get going in 2016. Combining the above analysis with the statistics below, Schalke 04 win or draw and Schalke to win 2-0 at 14/1 both seem likely outcomes.

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