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Kick off: Friday, 18 December @19:30 GMT
Venue: Veltins-Arena (Gelsenkirchen)
Head to head record
Schalke vs Hoffenheim 3-1 (2014/2015 Bundesliga)
Hoffenheim vs Schalke 2-1 (2014/2015 Bundesliga)
Schalke vs Hoffenheim 4-0 (2013/2014 Bundesliga)
Schalke vs Hoffenheim 1-3 (2013/2014 DFB Pokal)
Hoffenheim vs Schalke 3-3 (2013/2014 Bundesliga)
Schalke vs Hoffenheim prediction
Schalke 04 will host their former boss Huub Stevens in the opening fixture of round 17 in German Bundesliga. The Royal Blues will attempt to get back on winning ways against Hoffenheim who recorded their first victory under the experienced Dutchman in the relegation six-pointer against Hannover.
Decent record vs Hoffenheim
Schalke 04 recorded yet another disappointing result with an injury-time loss against Augsburg (2-1). After a rather good start of the season, André Breitenreiter’s squad are having their ups and downs mostly thanks to their patchy performances in the build up to the winter break. Their inconsistent form resulted with mere one victory in their previous seven Bundesliga matches. However, even with this kind of performance, the Royal Blues still have the chance to secure Champions League qualification, as they are only two points behind the top 4 positions. The only thing die Königsblauen need to do is start winning, and the first opportunity for that is the upcoming fixture against Hoffenheim, the team that failed to win in nine of their previous ten away fixtures. What can rejoice the fans is the fact that Schalke 04 are on a two-game winning streak on home ground against the Sinsheim-based squad and they will certainly try to continue the good run.
In terms of injured players, André Breitenreiter still cannot count on Atsuto Uchida, Matija Nastasic, Fabian Giefer and Marco Hoger. Dennis Aogo is doubtful, since he still has certain issues regarding his injury.
Watch the Match via bet365 Live Stream
Stevens the savior
It seems that Huub Stevens is proving to be a lifeline for Hoffenheim’s survival in the Bundesliga. The experienced Dutchman is putting pieces together and, since his arrival in October, Die Kraichgauer seized to be a mere cannon fodder for their opponents. The team boast a 1-4-1 record since he came to the club, conceding only 5 goals in this period, and it is obvious that the Sinsheim-based squad are gaining confidence. Their key midfielder, Jonathan Schmid, whose goal against Hannover delivered the first victory for Huub Stevens, is in outstanding form at the moment. He put 4 goals to his name in the current term, thus equalizing his personal bests from previous two campaigns. The game against Schalke is a perfect opportunity for Hoffenheim to move out of the relegation zone, and their strongest weapon in this battle will be the Royal Blues’ former boss, who has led Schalke for seven seasons in total. The main problem for die Kraichgauer will be the possible absence of their top goal scorer, Kevin Kuranyi, who was also a member of their next opponents, and his experience will be sorely missed on Friday evening.
Hoffenheim are certainly without the likes of Jens Grahl and Steven Zuber, who are still struggling with injury problems. Apart from the abovementioned Kevin Kuranyi, Pirmin Schwegler is also awaiting the final verdict of the medical staff.
Quick Facts
- Schalke won five of last eight home games vs Hoffenheim, losing the other three
- The Royal Blues recorded just one win in their last seven Bundesliga games.
- Die Königsblauen are on a twelve-game unbeaten run in Friday’s fixtures
- The two sides scored 4.1 goals on average in their last seven meetings
- Hoffenheim boast slightly better head to head record (W6 D4 L5)
- Die Kraichgauer have conceded mere five goals since Stevens took over
Schalke vs Hoffenheim betting tip
Statistics show us that Hoffenheim have been a tough nut to crack for Schalke 04 in the last eight years. Even though die Königsblauen are on a two-game winning run on home ground against the Sinsheim-based squad, they are facing serious crisis at the moment. Huub Stevens is coming to town with his revived team hungry for success, and we can surely expect a lot of fireworks in this match.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.71 (7/10) @888sport
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