German Bundesliga
2010-03-27 - Bayer Leverkusen vs Schalke 04
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Bay Arena
Saturday, 27th March 2010 – kickoff 18:30
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have entered in a really bad period lately and last week not only they were really destroyed by Borussia Dortmund but have also lost their main star striker and also best Bundesliga striker with 16 goals – Stefan Kiessling. His injury (torn muscle) comes in the worst possible time for the team that until couple of weeks ago looked invincible.
The team problems seem to keep piling up as the latest news is that another first team striker, the Swiss International Edin Derdiyok has also picked up a hamstring injury and there is a big chance that he will also miss this match. However, he had participated in the last training session but is yet to be seen whether he will be fit enough and ready to start the match.
The midfielder Arturo Vidal will have to sit out this match due to a yellow cards suspension. Stefan Reinartz will play at his position.
If Derdiyok is not available to play, Coach Heynckes will field a formation with only one striker- Patrick Helmes, but it will be interesting to see how he will get back in action as he was long time absent rehabilitating from injury.
Probable Bayer Leverkusen line-up :
Schwaab, M. Friedrich, Hyypia , Kadlec,
Castro, Reinartz, Barnetta, Kroos ,
Helmes , Derdiyok
Schalke 04
Schalke 04 are two points up from Bayer Leverkusen at the second place at the table and are a team that plays aggressive football with stabile defense and very good attack.
They lost to Bayern Munich during midweek but still gave a fair resistance and Arjen Robben`s fantastic goal made the only difference.
The team has been in great form in the last thirteen matches Schalke 04 have won nine times, drawn three times and lost only once.
Kevin Kuranyi has scored 15 goals so far in the Bundesliga and he also has six assists which makes him on of the best strikers in the league.
He will be partnered with Jefferson farfan in the attack and Ivan Rakitic should be behind them as a playmaker and he has been in good form lately.
Coach Magath does not have problems with injured or suspended players in his squad.
Probable Schalke 04 line-up :
Zambrano, Howedes, Bordon, Westermann ,
Kluge, Baumjohann, Schmitz,
Rakitic
Farfan, Kuranyi
The Betting Verdict
The first match between these teams this season ended in 2-2 draw.
This will be a match between the team that has the best offence in the league-Bayer Leverkusen (56 goals scored) and a team with the best defense-Schalke 04 (22 goals conceded).
In the last seven matches between these teams-Bayer Leverkusen have not tasted defeat (5 wins,2 draws) and also Bayer Leverkusen have won the last three home matches against Schalke 04.
Having on mind Bayer Leverkusen`s problems with the strikers and their recent form, Schalke 04 have a good opportunity to stay unbeaten here and continue their pursuit of Bayern Munich.
Bayer Leverkusen will have to change their formation and will play a bit closed with probably one striker who is still not match fit. On the other side, Schalke 04 have a tough defense and will do whatever it takes to use this situation and grab vital points that will get them closer to the title.
I do not think that Schalke 04 will be defeated here, but i am not sure what Bayer Leverkusen response will be and how the striker Helmes will fill the gap.
I think a double chance bet on Schalke 04 might be a likely outcome of this match.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Bayer Leverkusen-Schalke 04 1-1 (or 1-2)
BEST BETTING TIP :
