Schalke begin life back in the second tier of German football with a tricky home game against Hamburg. The visitors came close to earning promotion back into the Bundesliga last season, so they will be looking to get the 2021/22 campaign off to the best start possible.
Schalke vs Hamburg: Our top Predictions
Unbiased tips
- Prediction one: Both Teams to Score – BTTS @ 20/31
- Prediction two: Total Goals – Under 2.5 Goals @ 20/21
- Prediction three: Correct Score – 1-1 Draw @ 23/4
The odds provided are up to date at the time of publication. Odds are subject to change though and you should always check with your bookmaker before placing any bets. Our recommended bookmaker for this match is Netbet.
Contents
BTTS
We're expecting goals in this game at both ends of the pitch as has been the case in four of the last six meetings between the two clubs. Last season, Schalke had a dreadful defensive record and while they are playing at a low standard this campaign, many of those poor performing players remain at the club. Hamburg looked very sharp going forward last season and were unlucky not to earn promotion, so their attack should get plenty of chances against this Schalke defence.
Under 2.5 Goals
Both of these teams have been playing a selection of friendly matches ahead of the new season, as per usual, and under 2.5 goals have been produced in two of Schalke's last three fixtures and in three of Hamburg's last four outings, so you can see why we're limiting this game to two goals or fewer.
1-1 Draw
In terms of a final scoreline, we're backing Friday's clash to end in a 1-1 draw. Schalke are the slight favourites to win this game with the majority of the major bookmakers but they were very poor in the Bundesliga last season and most of that squad remains in place. Hamburg, on the other hand, performed very well last season and are used to this level of football now, so you can see why we've backed this game to end all square.
All you need to know for Schalke vs Hamburg
How will Schalke start life back in the second tier?
Schalke couldn't have asked for a much tougher first game of the season than former Bundesliga side Hamburg but they do at least have the home advantage. Schalke have a decent recent record against Hamburg and will be looking for a positive start to the new season, one they will be hoping, ends in promotion. Schalke have brought in a number of new faces this season including Bulter from Union Berlin, Ranftl from LASK, Palsson from Darmstadt and even Terodde on a free transfer from Friday's guests Hamburg. However, McKennie, Serder, Raman, Tekpetey, Kutucu and Uth have left the club following their relegation from the Bundesliga.
Hamburg finished in 4th place last season, narrowly missing out on the promotion places by 4pts after a late drop in form. This season the former Bundesliga side have brought it the likes of Glatzel, Meffert, Muheim. Schonlau, Reis and Kaufmann to help take them to the next level but lost van Drongelen to Union Berlin, Terodde to Schalke and Ulreich to Bayern Munich, while Hunt left the club on a free transfer. A positive result on Friday could give Hamburg just the momentum they need to put a good run together and finally make their return to the top flight.
Schalke vs Hamburg – FAQ
- Who are bookmaker's favourites? – Schalke are the slight favourites.
- What was the score last time these two sides met? – Hamburg 0-4 Schalke, 10/1/20.
- What time does the game kick-off? – 19:30 GMT, 20:30 CET.
