SC Paderborn 07

vs

FC Schalke 04

Preview

SC Paderborn 07 (home)

• SC Paderborn 07 are unbeaten in their last 5 matches (W3, D2).
• With 61 points from 30 matches, FC Schalke 04 are flying high at the top of the 2. Bundesliga table, just 3 points ahead of SC Paderborn 07 who lie 2nd with 58.
• Schalke won 2-1 at home to Paderborn earlier in the season, but the hosts have won both of their most recent matches and their home form has been strong this season.
• Ralf Kettemann’s high-pressing, shape-shifting 4-3-3 system has seen them average 2.07 goals per game scored and 1.47 per game conceded on home soil.
• Recent results:
  • 2-0 (A)
  • 4-3 (H)
  • 1-1 (A)

FC Schalke 04 (away)

• Miron Muslic’s Schalke are equally impressive, with a shape-shifting press in either a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 system seeing them win 7 and draw 4 of their 15 league games on the road.
• Their recent form reads 2-1 (A) and 4-1 (H).
• Their 12 goals conceded in 15 away games suggests they’re still tight on the defensive road.

Head-to-Head

• The head-to-head average of 2.5 goals per match when Paderborn host Schalke leads us to believe there will be goals at both ends here.
• Schalke won 2-1 at home to Paderborn earlier in the season.

Key Players

• Paderborn’s Filip Bilbija is the in-form striker with 14 goals in 25 league matches this term and has scored 5 of Paderborn's last 11 goals, whilst Kenan Karaman has 13 goals in 28 games for Schalke and has scored 3 times in their last 5.
• Dejan Ljubicic has been Schalke’s creative engine this season and has 3 assists in his last 5 games, Schalke’s attacking output has been largely generated through him and his ability to spot space and make accurate passes in tight spaces.

Betting Insights

• Over 2.5 goals: 1.72.
• Both Teams to Score - Yes: 1.53.
• Schalke (result market): 3.07.

Prediction

• Schalke to win.
• Schalke have the momentum, away form, and tactical flexibility to edge out a tough and talented Paderborn side in a tight, high-scoring, promotion-deciding clash.