German Bundesliga
2008-05-17 - F.C Nurnberg vs Schalke 04
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Schalke faces a tough test here as they are not only battling to finish in second spot and an automatic qualification to the Champions League, but they are also battling against Nurnberg a side that needs a win here in order to avoid being relegated and that too they will need Stuttgart to do them a favour and win against Bielefeld if they are to stay up on the last day of the season.
Schalke has already cemented the Champions League spot, it is just a question if they will finish second or third as they need to win this match and then hope Werder Bremen gets beaten in their match in order to go above them in the standings. If they were to win and Werder Bremen gets a draw then Bremen will still finish higher by virtue of a greater goal difference.
Schalke does go into this match in good form having lost just once in their last eight matches but that was a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Werder Bremen. They have however managed five wins and two draws in that run so they will be eager not to lose this match.
Schalke has won their last two away games beating the likes of Bochum 3-0 and also Hamburger 1-0. They have also won their last two games in a row since drawing with Hannover 96 1-1 at home. They will be eager to finish on a high, but when you take into account Nurnberg's fighting qualities of wanting to stay in Bundesliga then it becomes like a Cup Final fixture and grit and determination could be the order of the day.
Nurnberg did lose their last match 1-0 away to Hertha Berlin. That came after four games being unbeaten and managing two wins and two draws in that run. But when you noticed that they have been unbeaten in their last four home matches, Nurnberg do have a chance in this match to take all three points and stay up after all.
Nurnberg's last four home games have seen them managed draws with Champion Bayern Munich 1-1, beat Wolfsburg 1-0, drew with Bielefeld 2-2 and then in their last home match beat second from bottom Duisburg 2-0.
In their last eight games they suffered defeat only twice and both came on their travels. They have also not suffered back to back defeats in their last eight games, and I am sure they will battle their hearts out to get a win here against Schalke who may just be contend on finishing in third spot and settoling for a place in the Champions League qualifying stages.
Take F.C Nurnberg on level ball to win this match and in the even it finishes in a draw then stakes are returned.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Nurnberg to win 1-0 or draw 1-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Nurnberg to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Nurnberg on level ball handicap here.
