Krasnodar vs Schalke predictions, betting tips and match preview

This clash is the first of two crucial meetings between these two sides in the space of a few weeks. They’re both sitting with six points from their opening two games, but two defeats could see them back in danger of an early exit. While these two look to be almost through now, Nice and Salzburg will be looking to pick up on any slips.

It’s odd that the German side are doing so well, because they’ve been awful domestically. They failed to win any of their first five Bundesliga games. They’ve made some improvements in recent weeks, but will it be enough for them to pick up a result away in Russia? Krasnodar are pushing for a European spot in the Russian Premier League, and they’re in fine form.

The hosts are unbeaten in eight ahead of this game, while they’ve won five of their last six in the Europa League. They’ve picked up eight wins in their last nine home matches in this competition, including a comfortable 5-2 victory over Ligue 1 leaders Nice.

In the league Krasnodar have conceded just 0.6 goals per game at home, while they’ve scored 2.2 a match on average. Their early European form has shown them to be an incredibly clinical team, as 27% of their chances so far have hit the back of the net. That makes them an interesting match for Schalke, who have let in just one goal in this group so far. They’ve conceded from just 4% of the shots they’ve faced. Will Krasnodar put a dent in that statistic this week?

One notable thing about Krasnodar in Europe this season is their control of games. They’ve been leading at half-time and full-time in both matches. In fact, they’ve been ahead at the end of each half in five of their last six matches in the competition. If you fancy them to continue that against Schalke, it’s priced at 3/1 with bet365.

Given their strong form, we’re backing the Russian side to take the points at home. It’s going to be a tight game, with Schalke conceding just once in their last five away games in this competition. However, we’re backing the hosts to edge it. They’ve been in excellent form so far, and their clinical finishing means they don’t need that many chances to get a goal. The home side are fantastic value for the win here, at 11/8 with bet365.