Schalke v Montpellier predictions

Schalke v Montpellier predictions and preview: Betting stats

TEAM NEWS AND RUN OF PLAY

Schalke might be without the american midfielder Jermaine Jones who has taken a knock in training. The brilliant offensive player Farfan missed their last game in the Bundesliga and is a major doubt also here. Check the lineups before the match kicks off. If they play the chance of a home win goes up considerably. For Montpellier, defender Henri Bedimo Nsamè should miss out. As of now no other team news is reported.

Schalke is a team with a good back four (I would especially point out the young Papadopoulos of Greece and German international Höwedes. Building on that, Schalke offers plenty of offensive power. Up front Klaas-Jan Huntelaar can't stop scoring, and he is supported by very capable and attack minded players in Affelay, Farfan, Holtby and the young talent Draxler. Montpellier is pretty much the same team as last season minus goal machine Giroud. Camara has taken over his role and been scoring plenty of goals, so if they can get their engines roaring this French side is no walk in the park to meet. Belhanda has continued his excellent playmaker role, and new kid on the block Mounier is about to settle into his Montpellier playing style.

I expect the teams to have quite an even amount of possession. I would not be surprised if Schalke even will allow the French side to have a slight possession advantage and then focus on pushing forward with counter attacks. They have had great success with this style of football, there is no arguing against that. If Jones and Farfan don't play they got plenty of cover. Montpellier will welcome the possession and try to do the most out of it. If Schalke let Behhanda gain control in the middle of the park that would most certainly open up the Schalke defence (no matter how good it is) on several occations. I am fairly sure Schalke will try to take him out of the equation with extraordinary hard man marking. It will be up to the skilled Moroccan to shine.

Schalke v Montpellier predictions: 1X2 betting preview

Given the home record and the offensive ability one can't do much else than give the nod to Schalke. Especially if Jones and Farfan both play. 1.62 is a very good price for a team winning five out of their six last CHL home games. Especially against opposition like Montpellier. The French were good at home against Arsenal, but away from home in their first CHL year this can easily end without points.

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Schalke - Montpellier predictions: Asian Handicap preview

I am not convinced it will be a game where Schalke win big, unless they bag a couple early and Montpellier just go belly up. I will rather go for a more safe Schalke -1 Asian Handicap. If you are not familiar with Asian Handicap betting, read our articles on the subject. These Asian Handicap articles are found here.

The best odds I can find is 2.05 with 188bet. The odds looks pretty good given the setting for this game and my analysis so far, so I opt for it without hesitation. If you agree with me you can take the price here: 188bet: Schalke -1 @ 2.05

Schalke - Montpellier predictions: Total Goals preview

I do definitely think the analysis so far arguments for a potetnially high scoring game even if both sides have very good defences. The main argument is that Schalke so often push forward with many players to create chances. Schalke are good at converting, and in the other end Montpellier has plenty of creativity and goal scoring ability to get attacks going on their own. This should be a fun game to watch. The odds have dropped so much on over 2.5 that I can't see the point in getting money on. The 3.00 handicap looks better. Again, have a look at our Asian Handicap section if you are not familiar with such a handicap.

This 3.00 handicap is priced at 2.58 with Pinnacle Sports. I think it is good, and I take it. Feel free to follow me on this bet. You can take it here.

Schalke - Montpellier preview and predictions: End Notes

I hope this piece was informative, and that you at the very least could use it as background material for further due dilligence. If you want to read more Champions League predictions, then click here.

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