The big clash between Schalke 04 and Bayern is shaping up to be a total mismatch on paper with the visitors expected to run riot from the first whistle. Bayern have looked untouchable all summer and their early season form shows no sign of slowing down as they chase yet another league title. Schalke on the other hand are fighting just to stay afloat after promotion and this fixture looks like one they will struggle to survive.
Team Form
Bayern started the campaign in style by lifting the super cup against Dortmund and then blowing away Stuttgart 5-1 in their opening league game. The Munich side have scored freely and kept things tight at the back with hardly any sign of weakness. Schalke meanwhile picked up a harsh 0-3 defeat away to Augsburg in their first outing and even played with ten men for half an hour after a red card.
- Bayern have won their last twelve meetings against Schalke
- Schalke failed to score in seven of those games
- Bayern already sit clear at the top after two big wins
Tactical Analysis
Bayern will likely dominate possession and use their quick wing play to stretch Schalke who often sit deep and invite pressure. The home side lack the quality in midfield to stop Bayern creating chances and their defence looks shaky after that heavy loss. Key Bayern attackers should find plenty of space to exploit while Schalke will need to rely on set pieces or lucky breaks to even get near goal.
- Bayern strengths include pace on the flanks and clinical finishing
- Schalke weaknesses show in defence and lack of creativity
- Expect Bayern to control the tempo right from kick off
Betting Proposal
This game has only one likely outcome and the value lies in backing the heavy handicap on the visitors. Bayern have the quality to win by three goals or more and the stats back that up strongly. Bayern to win away with a handicap of minus 2.5 at odds of 2.07 looks the smartest types to go for.
