Date: Saturday, 4th March 2017
Kick-Off at 17:30 UK /18:30 CET
Venue: Borussia-Park, Monchengladbach.
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Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Schalke 04 Preview and Prediction
Dieter Hecking has made an immediate impact at Borussia M’gladbach since being appointed over the winter break. Under his guidance, Gladbach find themselves back on track in the Bundesliga, though still some way off Champions League qualification, and stand behind only Bayern Munich in the form table for 2017 (W4 D1 L1).
Schalke had the opportunity to go above Borussia M’gladbach last weekend, but an early lead ended in an eventual 1-1 draw at home to Hoffenheim. Markus Weinzierl’s side are unbeaten in the last four in the Bundesliga, but also still have a lot of work to do to qualify for Europe again this season.
Borussia M’gladbach are the favourites here at 13/10, and we feel there’s decent value backing the hosts for the following reasons: not only are Borussia M’gladbach transformed in 2017, winning 70% of their competitive matches under coach Dieter Hecking (W7 D1 L2), but they also hold a stellar track record against Schalke at Borussia Park – Gladbach have won seven of the last eight Bundesliga matches at home to Schalke (see head-to-head). Meanwhile, Schalke’s mid-week DFB Pokal quarter final 3-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich was, though a tricky fixture, uninspiring. Schalke also hold the 2nd worst away record in the Bundesliga, losing 50% of their matches on the road this season, so there’s even more potential on Gladbach’s side.
If all of the above wasn’t enough, Gladbach’s captain, Lars Stindl, has been inspiring going forward in recent weeks. He’s scored five goals over his last three competitive outings, including a hat-trick against Fiorentina when Gladbach were 2-0 down, and he’s netted at least one goal in three of his last four outings in the Bundesliga (4 goals total). His form warrants him a decent shout for an anytime goalscorer bet here at 13/8 with bet365.
Given Borussia’s top form, their 1.8 goals scored per match average under coach Hecking seems a likelihood. However, with Schalke scoring at least one goal in 70% of Bundesliga matches on the road (losing 2-1 in 30% of them) we feel there’s decent value to be had backing Borussia M’gladbach 2-1 at 8/1 here.
HEAD TO HEAD
Schalke won 4-0 in the reverse fixture from earlier this season. Of the 43 matches at home to Schalke, Borussia M’gladabach have won 28 (W28 D9 L6) of these (65%).
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH VS SCHALKE STATS
Schalke have lost 50% of their Bundesliga away matches this season (W1 D4 L5). Borussia M’gladbach have won 70% of their competitive matches under coach Dieter Hecking (W7 D1 L2). Schalke have lost 2-1 in 30% of their away matches this season.
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH TEAM NEWS
Borussia M’gladbach are just doubtful over Ibrahima Traore (winger).
SCHALKE TEAM NEWS
Schalke have a few ongoing injuries to report: centre forward Breel Embolo is out until March and center back Naldo is also ruled out. Forward Franco Di Santo is doubtful.
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH VS SCHALKE PREDICTIONS both team to score
