Schalke vs Galatasaray Predictions

It’s been a big week for Galatasaray, following their 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce on Friday night. That clash against their big Istanbul rivals has left them second, four points shy of top spot in the Super Lig. The visitors are bound for Germany this week, as they face a crucial night in their bid to qualify for the last 16 in the Champions League. They are just a point off second placed Schalke, while Porto look set to pull away at the top. That’s going to leave one last place, but which of these two will claim it?

Schalke have been showing signs of recovery lately, and Saturday’s Bundesliga victory has taken them away from the drop zone for the time being. Now, Schalke are aiming to land a place in the next round of the Champions League, especially since they’re so far off the top four in the league. This may be their last tilt in this competition for a while, so they need to make the most of it. They have been much more consistent in Europe than they have been domestically, with Schalke unbeaten after three group matches.

Galatasaray drew 0-0 at home to Schalke in the last round of games, passing up a chance to move into the top two. They now head to Germany knowing that they have to at least match Schalke’s result, or else their chances are all but over. The Germans are at home to pointless bottom side Lokomotiv later in the group, while the Super Lig outfit are away to Moscow this month, and then facing off with leaders Porto. The run-in isn’t kind to Cimbom, so this is a key encounter.

Schalke may be taking home advantage this time, but their game plan isn’t likely to change. A dogged defence got them into Europe this season, and so far they’ve managed to hold off the other three teams, having conceded only once. They’re likely to try and hold off the visitors, knowing that a point gives them a slight edge. However, don’t expect flowing football from the visitors, who can’t afford a defeat.

Following their 0-0 draw, we expect a tight game between these two. Schalke have seen under 2.5 goals in all three of their group games so far. Meanwhile, the visitors have seen a single goal scored in their last two, and they’ve conceded just once in the group stage. We see this being another tight, low scoring game. Under 2.5 goals is our tip, while we’re backing a Schalke win, as Galatasaray have lost nine of their last 10 away in this competition.