Schalke vs Darmstadt Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Schalke 04 should finally feel their season is up and running after a poor start to their 2016/2017 campaign – a 1-0 win away to Wolfsburg last weekend marked their fourteenth point from six Bundesliga matches (W4 D2). Alongside their 2nd round DFB-Pokal and three consecutive UEFA Europa League wins, Schalke are unbeaten in eleven competitive matches (W9 D2). Six dominant performances at the Veltins Arena has instilled an “invincible” sense of confidence in coach Markus Weinzerl’s side.

Meanwhile, Darmstadt’s poor form continued after the international break as a deflating 1-0 defeat at home to strugglers Ingolstadt saw them slip within 1 point of the relegation zone. To make matters worse, Darmstadt have the worst away record – five defeats from five – in the Bundesliga this season.

Respective home and away forms couldn’t be more opposite than that of Schalke and Darmstadt. Schalke are, for clear reasons, the bookies’ favourites ahead of this match at 1/3. While we certainly fancy the host’s chances on Sunday, such a short price doesn’t make for a particularly tempting bet, unless adding them into an accumulator. Instead, we suggest betting the hosts at -1.5 Asian Handicap at 43/40 with bet365. Not only have Schalke won all of their last six home matches by two goals or more, but Darmstadt have also conceded two or more in four of their five matches on the road.

Further trends that back a strong home win here are Darmstadt’s recent struggle to score goals – the Lilies have failed to score in three of their last four – and Schalke’s new found defensive form – Schalke have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five. Combining the above with Schalke’s three goal per match average over their last five matches at the Veltin’s Arena, we feel a correct score bet of 3-0 at 15/2 is also a decent shout.