Bayer Leverkusen – Schalke : Preview & Prediction
Just when Bayer Leverkusen fans might think the team’s situation couldn’t get any worse, it does, as with just five Bundesliga points so far this season (G1, E2, P5), Leverkusen have had their worst start after eight rounds since the “three points for a win” era was introduced. The side that finished third last season now begins another league round below 16th place for the fourth time this campaign, equaling the total number of times they have been in that position in the last 38 seasons, a reality that was the reason for the sacking of Gerardo Seoane and the arrival of Xabi Alonso as his replacement.
A 2-0 loss to Porto in European action in midweek only compounded the malaise at the BayArena, which was quite noticeable anyway, as Leverkusen failed to win any of their first four home league games for the first time in their history (E1, P3). Alonso clearly has a tough job on his hands in what is his first stint in charge of a top-level team, but he can build on his playing career in this coaching debut after never adding a defeat when facing Schalke in eight previous meetings (G5, E3).
Things are not much different for Schalke, who also have just one win to their name, but find themselves one point better off than their hosts. However, the “Royal Blues” showed their fighting spirit even in defeat last time out, as despite eventually losing 3-2 to Augsburg, they came from 2-0 down at one point in the match.
However, Schalke have been far from a competitive side on rival soil, failing to win any of their last 32 top flight clashes away from home (E10, P22). That sentiment is shared in their recent particular series with Leverkusen, whom they have failed to beat in their last six Bundesliga meetings (E2, P4), so the away side will understand the magnitude of the task they face here.
Players to watch: Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, who missed a penalty in midweek, would have been looking forward to this match after coming out on top in their previous three clashes with Schalke, managing to score in the last two. As for Schalke, you will know that Marius Bülter tends to become more dangerous as the game progresses, scoring four of his last five Bundesliga goals after halftime.
Leverkusen have failed to score before halftime in each of their last six matches.
Bayer Leverkusen – Schalke : Betting Tips
Bayer Leverkusen – Win Odds: 1.45
