Schalke 04 vs Salzburg Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Schalke’s uncharacteristically poor start to the new Bundesliga campaign has seen them take no points from their opening five fixtures – the only side in the league to do so. Schalke were, of course, expected to start their season out stronger after an impressive preseason under new coach Markus Weinzierl and with a handful of promising new signings. However, a series of difficult fixtures against in-form sides Frankfurt, reigning champions Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin, and Cologne has seen Schalke left deflated. The only positives Schalke can take away from their performances so far this season is in their opening UEFA Europa League group stage match, where they dominated possession and chances in their 1-0 win away to Nice. The Germans have otherwise not looked dangerous enough in front of goal and confidence must be at a low.

Meanwhile, though Red Bull Salzburg are full of confidence and enjoying a strong start to their domestic season in the Austrian Bundesliga, where they are unbeaten since the opening day of the season (W5 D3 L1), they were beaten at home to Russian side Krasnodar in their opening UEFA Europa League match. Salzburg spent much of the match on the offensive, but were unable to break down the Russian side in their own half, even over the last 20 minutes where Krasnodar were reduced to 10 men.

While nobody can question Salzburg’s strong domestic form in the Austrian Bundesliga, their recent Europa League performances leave a lot to be desired – Salzburg have lost four of their five most recent. That helps to make Schalke the bookies’ favourites here at 8/13 despite their own poor overall form. While we would agree that Schalke are definitely the stronger side on paper, and that their 1-0 win in the Europa League last time out was a good distraction to their recent disappointment, we feel there are safer bets to be had for a similar price. Both teams have scored in eight of Schalke’s last nine home matches (89%) and in four of Salzburg’s last five Europa League away matches. Neither Schalke nor Salzburg often fail to find the net at home or away respectively. Schalke have failed to score just once in their last nine Europa League home and Salzburg have only failed to score in two of their last eighteen Europa League away matches.

As such, both teams to score at 7/10 and Schalke to win 2-1 at 7/1 with bet365 are our choice bets for this match.