Leverkusen and Schalke 04 Resume Chase for Europa League
Published September 29, 2017 by Florin P
Leverkusen and Schalke 04 try to restore their fading glory in the Bundesliga derby this Friday (7:30 p.m UK Time).
Leverkusen and Schalke 04 are fading in the standings, but they still have a shot at finishing in the first half of the tables. In order to achieve that, they need to end the losing streak and start winning points against tougher opponents. This is the perfect opportunity for both competitors to push for all three points, yet the managers are first and foremost concerned about preventing another defeat.
Schalke 04 Struggles Against Offensive Teams
This is one of the biggest problems for the home side, a team that had a hard time scoring goals against opponents that exercise pressure from the first minute. Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich came out firing on all cylinders and prevented them from scoring in back-to-back matches. Despite featuring a starting formation with three strikers, they were unable to pose a real threat up front and were swiftly defeated.
The strategy will only change slightly against Leverkusen due to their opponents’ lack of consistency in the offensive. On the road, this is not a very effective team, so Schalke 04 might have the chance to send more shots towards their goal. All their strikers have returned to form and the injury concerns are no longer a problem, so they can afford to take more chances.
Clean Sheets are a Rarity for Leverkusen
Scoring one goal more than the opponent has been the strategy of choice for Leverkusen in most of the Bundesliga matches played so far. This strategy wasn’t particularly effective in derbies and the best proof is that they picked up only a few points after six rounds. In this match, they don’t have home pitch advantage, so in theory one point on the road should be good enough.
Risk-averse punters who are not confident in Schalke 04’s ability to score goals even against poor defensive teams such as Leverkusen should take the draw no bet wager. bet365 Sports offers odds of 9/10 on the home side to win but if the match ends undecided regardless of score, the stakes will be refunded.
