The Battle of the Bundesliga Middleweights
Ah, the 2. Bundesliga, where the stakes are high, and the drama is even higher! This weekend, we have a classic showdown between Hertha BSC and Schalke 04, two teams that have been dancing around the mid-table like they're auditioning for 'Dancing with the Stars'. Both teams are coming off a bit of a rough patch, with Hertha BSC sitting in 11th place and Schalke 04 not far behind in 13th. It's like watching two heavyweight boxers who are a bit out of shape but still pack a punch.
Hertha's Home Turf Advantage?
Let's talk about Hertha BSC first. They've been as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. With 25 points from 18 matches, their form has been as consistent as a teenager's mood swings. Their recent 2-3 loss to Hamburger SV was a heartbreaker, especially since they had 54% possession and 14 shots. It's like they brought a knife to a gunfight. Coach Cristian Fil is probably scratching his head, wondering how to turn this ship around. Their key players, Derry Scherhant and Florian Niederlechner, have been doing their best, scoring 10 goals each this season. But the defense has been leakier than a sieve, conceding in each of their last 5 matches.
Schalke's New Hope: Loris Karius
On the other side, Schalke 04 has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Loris Karius on a short-term deal. Yes, the same Karius who had that infamous Champions League final. But hey, everyone deserves a second chance, right? Schalke's recent 0-0 draw against Eintracht Braunschweig was a missed opportunity, especially since they had a numerical advantage. Their top scorer, Moussa Sylla, with 16 goals, will be looking to add to his tally. Schalke's away form has been a mixed bag, scoring 1.08 goals on average, but they've shown they can be resilient.
The Prediction: A Draw with Goals Galore
Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty. Historically, these two teams have been neck and neck, with Hertha winning 11 times and Schalke 10 times in their last 25 meetings at the Olympiastadion. The average number of goals in their encounters is a whopping 4, so expect fireworks! Both teams have been scoring and conceding with alarming regularity. Hertha has seen over 2.5 goals in 64.71% of their games, and Schalke isn't far behind. Given the current form and historical data, I'm predicting a draw with both teams to score. It's going to be a rollercoaster ride, so buckle up!
In conclusion, this match is set to be a thrilling encounter with both teams eager to prove their worth. While Hertha has the home advantage, Schalke's recent signings and determination could see them snatch a point. It's a classic case of two teams trying to find their mojo, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it unfolds!
2. Bundesliga
Hertha BSCvs
Schalke 04
2. Bundesliga
Brooks, John
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