Schalke vs FC Ingolstadt Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Schalke have seen some extremes in their Bundesliga season so far: Schalke kicked off the new campaign with five defeats in a row, followed by a seven match unbeaten run (W5 D2). However, the end of 2016 saw them fall back down again, yielding just one point (D1 L3) from their last four matches. Even with a win here, Schalke would only stand on a total of 21 points – their worst recorded position at the halfway point in the season since the turn of the millennium. If a turn of poor form wasn’t enough, Schalke are still struggling with a tonne of injuries (see team news) and will be without top scorer Nabil Bentaleb, who is away with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ingolstadt’s season hasn’t quite gone to plan so far either. The South Germans found themselves in an automatic relegation spot and four points from safety at the turn of the year. However, the Bavarian’s resurgence under new coach Maik Walpurgis has seen them take ten points from their last six Bundesliga matches (W3 D1 L2), five times more points than over the rest of the season combined.

Schalke are the bookie’s favourites here at 4/5, however, we feel that Ingolstadt or draw (double chance) at 21/20 has to be the better bet here for the following reasons: Ingolstadt have taken the majority of their points on the road this season (7 from 12) and have won two of their last three away matches under coach Walpurgis, including a 2-1 win in a difficult match away to Bayer Leverkusen. Under normal circumstances, with the home advantage and a fully fit squad, Schalke would be the obvious bet here. However, Schalke have taken just one point from their last two at home (D1 L1) and will be fielding a much weakened squad thanks to injuries and a few absences of players attending the AFCON. Ingolstadt also have the mental edge, standing undefeated and recording their biggest ever top-flight win (3-0) against Schalke last season.

Regarding a correct score bet, both Ingolstadt and Schalke are averaging just one goal per match, so a 1-1 draw at 11/2 seems a reasonable shout here. With both sides struggling for consistency in front of goal, we wouldn’t shy away from under 2.5 goals at 3/4 for this match either.