FC Schalke 04 vs SV Darmstadt 98 Prediction
Top-Of-The-Table Clash: Schalke Host Darmstadt
Preview
Right then, let's have a proper look at this cracker! Second-place Schalke welcome fourth-place Darmstadt in what's shaping up to be a right proper battle between two of the form teams in the 2. Bundesliga.
Schalke have been absolutely flying lately, mate. Seven wins from their last ten games and only two losses all season. They've been solid as a rock at the back too - only five goals conceded in ten matches, which is proper impressive. They've kept five clean sheets in that run, including a smashing 3-0 win away at Hannover in their last outing. The only blot on their copybook recently was a surprising 0-1 home loss to Holstein Kiel.
Darmstadt aren't mucking about either, mind you. Six wins, three draws, and just one loss in their last ten. They've been scoring a few more goals than Schalke (16 to Schalke's 13) but are still tight at the back with only seven conceded. They've had a couple of draws recently - 0-0 at home to Magdeburg and 1-1 away at Holstein Kiel - but they're still right in the mix at the top end of the table.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. When these two have met in the past, it's been Darmstadt who've had the edge, especially at Schalke's place. Schalke have only won one of their four home games against Darmstadt, losing two. The last time they met, Darmstadt took the points with a 2-0 win.
Both teams are defensively solid, make no mistake. Schalke are letting in just half a goal per game, while Darmstadt are conceding 0.7. Both have kept clean sheets in half their matches this season. When you've got two teams this tight at the back meeting at the top of the table, it often means a cagey affair.
The stats suggest this could be a low-scoring game. Both teams average under 1.5 goals scored per game, and the goal expectancies are pointing towards around 2.3 goals in total. When you've got two sides who know how to keep it tight, sometimes the safest bet is that there won't be too many goals.
Given both teams' defensive records and the fact this is a massive game for both sides in the table, I'm expecting a proper tactical battle. Neither side will want to lose and might be content to keep things tight.