Schalke will be desperate for a morale-boosting result when they welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Veltins Arena for Sunday’s Bundesliga clash.
Die Konigsblauen have gone a club record 12 league matches without a win, taking fewer points in the second half of the season than any other team in the league.
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen latest odds
However, they can be backed at 11/2 (6.50) with bet365 to put an end to that slump by coming out on top against this opposition on home turf for the first time since 2013.
In contrast, Peter Bosz’s men are enjoying their second best Ruckrunde in Bundesliga history, and are clear 1/2 (1.50) to extend that strong record with another victory in this one.
Just one of the guests’ last 26 fixtures has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 10/3 (4.33) on them settling for a point in this one.
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen team news
Omar Mascarell, Suat Serdar, Guido Burgstaller and Amine Harit are all unlikely to play again this season due to injury, although Benjamin Stambouli and Benito Raman are both nearing returns.
Lars Bender is ruled out with a foot injury, while Kai Havertz, Jonathan Tah, Karim Bellarabi and Kevin Volland will all face late fitness tests.
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen preview
It was a very different picture when these sides met in December’s reverse encounter, when David Wagner’s men were riding high in third place – three clear of their opponents.
However, it didn’t take long for Die Werkself to gain the upper hand in that match, taking the lead within 15 minutes to end the match level on points after a 2-1 victory.
Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen predictions
Have gone from strength to strength since then to build up an 18-point lead over their struggling hosts, odds of 5/4 (2.25) look like excellent value on Leverkusen leading at both half-time and full time once again – particularly as Schalke has only scored three first-half goals in 19 fixtures.
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Leverkusen/Leverkusen to win at HT/FT at 5/4 (2.25) for a 1pt stake with bet365 