GERMAN 2.BUNDESLIGA BETTING PREVIEW - SC PADERBORN VS SCHALKE 04

German 2.Bundesliga

2026-04-26 - SC Paderborn vs Schalke 04

A Sports Betting Preview by Niko

SC Paderborn v Schalke 04
Football; Germany: 2.Bundesliga
Home Deluxe Arena – Paderborn
Sunday, 26th April 2026 - kickoff 13:30 CET

SC Paderborn

SC Paderborn won three in a row before drawing 1-1 against Hannover 96 last week. It was a fair result that kept them second, three points behind the leaders, Schalke 04.

At home, SC Paderborn won five of their last six matches, including the last two.

SC Paderborn is also the best attacking side in the 2.Bundesliga, scoring 52 goals in their 30 matches so far.

Schalke 04

Schalke 04 achieved their third straight victory last weekend, nailing Preussen Munster 4-1 at home. That extended their unbeaten run to ten games, so they travel to Paderborn full of confidence.

Schalke 04 have been good on the road, despite some recent slips. When I say slips, I mean drawing in three of the last six trips, which is not exactly a slip, but minor setbacks.

They deserve their top spot in 2.Bundesliga, and are also the best defensive team, allowing only 26 goals in 30 matches.

The Betting Verdict

This is the game of the weekend in 2.Bundesliga – the duel between the best two sides, with both likely playing in the Bundesliga next season.

First against second should bring a nice football match, an open game, and some goals, as both teams tend to play open football and create many chances.

I feel that both sides might be satisfied with a draw here, as it will keep them where they are – 1st and 2nd.

The form is excellent - both teams are unbeaten in 10 straight matches (!), so nothing much separates them.

I would go with both sides scoring in this match as the main bet, and braver bettors can back a draw at valuable odds.

The Pick :

SC Paderborn 1-1 Schalke 04

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take both teams to score: YES at odds of 1.62 at BetFred