Schalke vs Mainz Betting Tips

Schalke got their season underway in emphatic style when they beat MSV Duisburg 5-0 in the DFP Pokal, following this up with a 3-0 win in the Bundesliga over Werder Bremen.

But a draw against Darmstadt and a 3-0 defeat to Wolfsburg has left them with four points from their opening three games.

Wolfsburg have dealt them a second blow as well, taking their star playmaker Julian Draxler from them late in the transfer window in an attempt to replace Kevin De Bruyne.

This leaves them slightly short on creativity, with the majority of their summer signings focusing on the defensive areas of the squad.

Johannes Geis is one of these additions, with the 21 year old defensive midfielder potentially taking to the pitch against his former club on Sunday after the summer’s £8.4 million transfer.

Mainz have started their season well and look in good shape to improve on their 11^th place finish in the Bundesliga last season.

They also progressed in the DFP Pokal to get their campaign off to a winning start, but then managed to lose at home to Ingolstadt in their Bundesliga opener.

But they bounced back impressively with a win over Borussia Monchengladbach and followed this victory up with a 3-0 dismantling of Hannover.

This 3-0 win saw Mainz’ new attacking signing Yoshinori Muto bag two goals for his new club, and the young Japenese winger will want to add to this tally to cement his position in the Mainz fans’ hearts.

Schalke won the corresponding fixture 4-1 last season, but Mainz did manage to grab a win at home back at the end of April. This makes it two wins apiece and two draws in their last six meetinigs.

Schalke struggled against the defensive tactics of Darmstadt, but I think Mainz will come out with a more attacking style of play in mind. This could be a mistake, and Schalke may well capitalise on it and get the win. Odds of 17/20 for a Schalke Win look good value as well.