On Wednesday evening, two of the Bundesliga’s bottom three meet at the Veltins Arena, as Schalke host Koln. The game could be massive for the home team.
Schalke have been woeful for much of this season as the Royal Blues have collected just seven points from their opening 16 league outings. A 4-0 win over Hoffenheim ten days ago looked to have kick-started their league campaign. The win ended a 30-game run without a top-flight victory.
🔜 #S04KOE#S04 | 🔵⚪️ | #GEmeinsam pic.twitter.com/AlP2q1Hego— FC Schalke 04 (@s04) January 18, 2021
🔜 #S04KOE#S04 | 🔵⚪️ | #GEmeinsam pic.twitter.com/AlP2q1Hego
However, the revival didn’t last long, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt in their last outing. The defeat leaves Schalke five points adrift of Wednesday evening’s visitors, who occupy the relegation play-off berth.
One plus for the home side has been the form of American teenager Matthew Hoppe, who has now scored four times in his last two Bundesliga appearances. The 19-year-old’s form has given the team from Gelsenkirchen hope that they may escape the dreaded relegation zone. To do that Koln are the team to catch.
The Billy Goats seem to be fighting a perennial relegation battle in the Bundesliga. Last season the visitors finished 14th place in the German top-flight. They look set for another season of struggles.
Markus Gisdol’s team heads into this clash on the back of a five-game winless run in the Bundesliga. Last time out, the visitors drew 0-0 with Hertha Berlin in the German capital.
What has stood out of late for Koln is a lack of goals, as they have failed to score in their previous five league outings.
Only Arminia Bielefeld have scored fewer goals in the Bundesliga this season. It is nothing noting that Koln and Schalke are joint for the second least goals scored in the German top-flight.
Although Schalke will be desperate for a victory, Forebet predicts that this clash will finish in a low-scoring draw.