Schalke vs Bayer Leverkusen
One of the games we're focusing our previews on in the Bundesliga this weekend is the clash between Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen in a 5pm BST kick-off at the Veltins-Arena later today. These two sides are involved in their own different battles for European qualification but the form of them both is quite contrasting. Will the form book be thrown out of the window come the final whistle?
Schalke could not have anticipated much of a worse return to action. David Wagner's side are watching their season go down the drain. The team is now in 11th place after the winless run continued with a 1-1 draw away to Union Berlin last weekend. That result now makes it 12 league games without a victory including losing 5 of their last 8 matches in league competition. These defeats haven't just been hard luck stories either. 5 of the last 7 losses the team has experienced have been by at least 2 goals. It's hard to see this barren run stopping any time soon without some major changes.
Bayer Leverkusen will feel slightly more positive about their campaign. Peter Bosz's side sit outside the Champions League qualification spots in 5th place by virtue of an inferior goal difference. However, Borussia Monchengladbach's loss to Bayern Munich yesterday now means a draw for Bayer in this game will move them into the top four. A win will see them cranking up the pressure on 3rd place RB Leipzig. Form has stuttered recently with 2 defeats from their last 3 league games including the 4-2 loss to Bayern Munich last weekend. That being said, Bayer have remained potent away from home having scored 12 goals in their last 5 away trips.
The facts are there to see plain as day. Bayer Leverkusen have to be backed to win this game. Schalke have looked nothing short of horrendous since they returned to action but the problems had been evident even before the break. I just can't see how Wagner can turn things around. It feels like he's lost the dressing room. Coming up against a Bayer side that will be looking to bounce back after last week's courageous but ultimately disappointing defeat could be a nightmare for the home team who have only scored 1 goal in their last 4 home league games.
Bayer Leverkusen -1 @ 2.40 with Paddy Power
Bayer Leverkusen HT/FT @ 2.30 with BetVictor
