The opening day of the 2. Bundesliga season will take place this weekend, and the fixture computer has thrown up a blockbuster clash for Friday night with Schalke set to face Hertha Berlin.
Both teams are considered two of the biggest clubs in the division, but last season, they were both closer to relegation than challenging for promotion.
Schalke, in particular, were precariously close to relegation to the third tier of German football, but there is hope that new management can change their fortunes this season.
Ahead of kick-off on Friday night, check out our Schalke vs Hertha Berlin prediction below.
Contents
Schalke vs Hertha Berlin prediction: The visitors to come away with something
Key Stats
- Schalke have won less than 50% of their pre-season friendlies this summer, indicating there are some teething issues with new manager, Miron Muslic.
- Hertha Berlin have lost just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in each of the last seven matches between these two teams.
Correct score prediction: Schalke 1-1 Hertha Berlin
Schalke ended last season like a team that had given up on themselves, and it's difficult to see how a new manager can change that immediately. Hertha Berlin, meanwhile, have enjoyed a good pre-season and ended last season on a high, so if anyone is going to win it, it will be the visitors.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A tough match to call
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Schalke vs Hertha Berlin odds do a good job of illustrating how tight this match is expected to be on Friday night. Ladbrokes have made Hertha Berlin narrow favourites, and have given them a 44.4% chance of winning the match. Schalke, meanwhile, have been given a 37% chance of victory.
Visit our latest football tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Honours even
Another reason why this match is difficult to call is the recent H2H record between the two teams. Over the course of Schalke and Hertha Berlin's last five meetings, both teams have enjoyed two wins apiece, and the fifth match ended level. In last season's corresponding fixture, two teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Germany Bundesliga II 08/03/25
Hertha Berlin
Schalke
Germany Bundesliga II 05/10/24
Schalke
Hertha Berlin
Germany Bundesliga II 17/03/24
Hertha Berlin
Schalke
Germany Bundesliga II 08/10/23
Schalke
Hertha Berlin
Germany Bundesliga I 14/04/23
Schalke
Hertha Berlin
Schalke preview: A fresh start
Miron Muslic can't complain too much about the backing he has received this summer, and the new Schalke boss will be able to hand out several competitive debuts on Friday night. The biggest signing of the summer has been the acquisition of Nikola Katic, and the centre-back should start at the heart of the Schalke defence against Hertha.
Predicted lineup: Karius (GK), Becker, Katic, Sanchez, Gantenbein, Schallenberg, Gruger, Zalazar, Bulut, Sylla, Antwi-Adjei
Germany Bundesliga II 10/05/25
L
Fortuna Dusseldorf
2
Schalke
0
Germany Bundesliga II 02/05/25
L
Paderborn
2
Schalke
0
Germany Bundesliga II 27/04/25
L
Kaiserslautern
2
Schalke
1
Germany Bundesliga II 19/04/25
D
Hamburg
2
Schalke
2
Germany Bundesliga II 13/04/25
L
Jahn Regensburg
2
Schalke
0
Hertha Berlin preview: A new look team
Hertha Berlin have had a turbulent summer in terms of transfer activity. The club have lost four previously important players in Derry Scherhant, Florian Niederlechner, Ibrahim Maza and Jonjoe Kenny, and it will be interesting to see how they get on without all four. Paul Seguin could make his debut for the club against his former employers.
Predicted lineup: Ernst (GK), Gechter, Leistner, Dardai, Eitschberger, Seguin, Cuisance, Demme, Karbownik, Kownacki, Reese
Germany Bundesliga II 09/05/25
L
SC Preussen Munster
2
Hertha Berlin
0
Germany Bundesliga II 04/05/25
W
Greuther Furth
0
Hertha Berlin
1
Germany Bundesliga II 25/04/25
D
Magdeburg
1
Hertha Berlin
1
Germany Bundesliga II 20/04/25
W
SSV Ulm 1846
2
Hertha Berlin
3
Germany Bundesliga II 12/04/25
D
Darmstadt
1
Hertha Berlin
1
Player to watch: Moussa Sylla
Moussa Sylla had a good season for Schalke last season in the 2. Bundesliga, even if the rest of his teammates didn't. It was the centre forward's first season with the club, and he led the way, scoring 16 league goals in 27 appearances. If Schalke didn't have Sylla last season, then they could have been in serious trouble.