Prediction and odds for the game: Schalke (13/20) v Freiburg (9/2)
We are backing Schalke to record the win
When: Saturday 21st December 2019, Kick-off 2:30 PM
Where: The Veltins Arena
Two teams hoping to challenge for a European spot in the Bundesliga Schalke and Freiburg meet at the Veltins Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Schalke
The home are enjoying a decent debut campaign under the stewardship of former Huddersfield head coach David Wagner. The Royal Blues are currently fifth in the Bundesliga table, only trailing reigning champions Bayern Munich by a point and just five points off the top of the table.
A 1-1 draw at Wolfsburg last time out was a terrible result, but Wagner’s team needs to get back to winning ways and if they are to mount a realistic challenge for a top-six or even the top four this season.
The home side will certainly be looking for defensive improvement in the near future, as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Bundesliga outings.
Schalke have a decent recent home record in the German top-flight, as they are undefeated in their last seven matches, recording four wins and three draws.
The home sides last seven Bundesliga meetings with Freiburg have been tight, low-scoring affairs, as they have all produced under 2.5 goals.
Freiburg
The visitor’s form has dipped of late after a fantastic start to their Bundesliga campaign. They have now won just once in their last five league games while losing three of their last four matches in the German top-flight, including last time out when they suffered a 3-1 home defeat by Bayern Munich.
The poor run has seen Freiburg hanging on to a European spot, only above seventh-place Bayer Leverkusen by virtue of superior goal difference. They have struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last five matches in the Bundesliga. They have also scored the least goals in the German top-flight of any of the teams in the top six.
Christian Streich’s team has been poor on their travels of late in the Bundesliga, having failed to win in any of the last five matches on the road in the top-flight.
Poor defensive displays have not helped Freiburg’s results away from home, as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 matches on their travels. They have also scored just five goals in their last five away matches in the German top-flight.
Conclusion
Despite some inconsistent results of late, Schalke are definitely in better form than their out-of-sorts visitors. We are backing David Wagner’s team to pull off the victory in this clash, as they are a tough opponent in Gelsenkirchen.
We are also backing the under 2.5 goals scored, as the recent meetings between these two teams have been tense, tight affairs.
Verdict: Back the home win at odds of 13/20 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]If you are looking for a bookmaker to place your bet on Schalke v Freiburg, then don’t forget to check out our betting page for the best bookmakers to use for your wager. If you enjoyed reading this article, our soccer predictions page may interest you, as it is where we post two daily tips articles.
Will Schalke enhance their chances of a top-four finish against Freiburg?
