Fortuna Düsseldorf vs FC Schalke 04 Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one! We've got a right tale of two teams here - it's like comparing champagne and tap water, mate.

Schalke are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 31 points, playing like a team that means business. They've won 6 of their last 10 games, including some proper tasty results like that 2-1 win over second-placed Paderborn. They're solid at the back too, keeping clean sheets in half their recent games.

Fortuna, on the other hand, are having a right old time of it down in 14th place. Just 14 points from 14 games, and their recent form is shocking - 2 wins in 10 games is relegation form, that is. They've been leaking goals for fun at home (2.17 per game) and can't buy a win against anyone decent. Their only recent victories came against the two worst teams in the league - not exactly convincing, is it?

Now, here's the funny thing - the head-to-head tells a completely different story. Fortuna have actually won 5 of the 9 meetings between these two, and get this - they've NEVER lost at home to Schalke in 4 attempts! Last time out, Fortuna won 2-0 back in May. But let's be honest, that was then and this is now. Both teams are in very different places, and form usually tells the truth in the end.

Looking at the stats, Schalke are averaging 1.1 goals per game while only conceding 0.9. Fortuna are scoring less (0.9) and letting in more (1.7). The goal expectancy has Schalke as slight favorites, and that makes perfect sense to me.

The odds have Schalke at 2.15 for the away win, which looks about right for a team that's 17 points clear in the league and playing proper football. Fortuna at 3.10 might tempt some based on that head-to-head record, but you can't ignore the massive gulf in quality and form here.

Sometimes you've got to ignore the history books and go with what you're seeing now. And right now, Schalke look like they're in a different league to Fortuna.