Augsburg v Schalke predictions

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Augsburg v Schalke predictions Bundesliga, Germany	26/01/2013 15:30	full time result	Schalke	2.05	Bet at Unibet
Betting prediction was written by Ronny

Augsburg v Schalke predictions: Facts

17th placed Augsburg went 10 Bundesliga games without a win before the Christmas season. In Augsburg's first Bundesliga game after the break they won 3-2 away to Fortuna Dusseldorf. Overall they are 1-3-5 at home this season, and so far Augsburg has only scored 7 goals in front of their own fans. Schalke 04 had their own demons to fight pre break, but got back in business with a great 5-4 win at home against an improved Hannover last match day. Away from home so far in the Bundesliga this season they are 2-2-4. Schalke is 16 points ahead of Augsburg in the Bundesliga table, and that represents a big difference in quality.

Last season this fixture ended 1-1. This was a game Augsburg very well could have won. The reverse fixture this season ended 3-1 for Schalke. Augsburg were dangerous going forward, but could not convert their chances into goals.

Team News

Defender Verhaegh is still out for Augsburg, so is midfielders Ottl and Petrzela. Strikers Bance and Sio are also both missing. Banca is injured, while Sio is suspended. Schalke should have Huntelaar back, the talented defender Papadopolous is missing still. Affelay is still out, and Jones is suspended. I do not think these absences will make or break any result in this game. Its business as usual.

Augsburg v Schalke predictions: 1x2

Both Augsburg and Schalke fought very well in their last Bundesliga game. If they maintain that fighting spirit this can be a highly entertaining game. Obviously Schalke is the more talented side, and with Huntelaar back (and settled after all the transfer speculation) they got one heck of an offense. It is only natural they are Favorites here. Augsburg, managed to get 3 goals, and a rare win against Fortuna Dusseldorf. There is no doubt this has lifted their spirits. They can still get that playoff spot, and avoid relegation. Looking at the previous meetings, I do sense that this will be a very open game with a lot of passion and chances. This reduce the chance of a draw considerably.

In such a setting we got to look at the forwards. Molders is clearly in form for Augsburg, and he does get support from the wings and his midfield, but against the likes of Huntelaar, Draxler, Holteby (who was really good in the last game) and Farfan Augsburg is at least one draw short. Schalke should be able to yet again outscore their opponent. I call the away win.

Schalke 04 is priced at 2.05 by Swedish power house bookie Unibet. On top of this decent price they offer a €20 Risk Free Bet to new customers. If you agree with my preview so far and the prediction. Click here to go to Unibet for placing the bet:

Schalke 04 at 2.05 and €20 Risk Free Bet

Predictions for Total Goals

Whenever Schalke is involved the Over 2.5 is never far away. One can't say the same about Augsburg normally. However, my thinking goes like this:

1. They have created plenty of chances against Schalke when they have met before

2. They scored 3 goals in their last game. This was their first win after breaking a 10 non winning games run. Augsburg will be flying, hoping for more.

For me the Over 2.5 should be a clear favorite. Therefore I am very surprised to find 2.00 with Paddy Power still. This is a massive price, and a bet I am getting on any day of the week.

Take Over 2.5 at Paddy Power by clicking here