Bayer Leverkusen vs Schalke prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2022-10-07 13:30.
Just when fans of Bayer Leverkusen may have been thinking their situation can’t get any worse, it does, and with just a measly five points in the Bundesliga so far this season (W1, D2, L5) Leverkusen have made their worst start after eight matches since the “three points for a win” era was introduced. Last season’s third-place finishers now begin a matchday lower than 16th place for the fourth time this season, equalling their tally over the last 38 seasons combined, a reality that saw Gerardo Seoane sacked and Xabi Alonso brought in as his replacement.
A 2-0 loss to Porto in midweek European action only compounded the foul mood around the BayArena, which was sour enough anyway as the Eternal Bridesmaids haven’t won any of their opening four home league games for the first time ever (D1, L3). Alonso clearly has a tough job on his hands in what is his first stint in charge of a top-flight team, but can draw upon his playing career in this managerial debut after never being on the losing side when facing Schalke in eight previous appearances against them (W5, D3).
Things aren’t much better over at opponents Schalke, who also have just a single win to their name but find themselves one point better off than their hosts. The Royal Blues proved their fighting spirit even in defeat last time out though, as despite eventually losing 3-2 to Augsburg, they came back from 2-0 down to equalise at one stage.
However Schalke have been far from warriors on the road, failing to win any of their last 32 top-flight matches on their travels (D10, L22). That sentiment is shared in their recent H2H record with Leverkusen, who they haven’t beaten in their last six Bundesliga meetings (D2, L4) so the visitors will understand the scale of the task that faces them here.
Players to watch: Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, who missed a penalty in midweek, would’ve had his eye on this fixture having come out on top in his three meetings with Schalke, while also scoring in his last two H2Hs. As for Schalke, they’ll know Marius Bülter usually gets more dangerous as the game goes on, scoring four of his last five Bundesliga goals after half-time.
Hot streak: Leverkusen have remained scoreless before half-time in each of their last six matches.