Schalke vs Borussia Dortmund

April 8, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Highly anticipated Ruhr derby takes place on Sunday at Veltins Arena as FC Schalke 04 are looking to claim morale-boosting win that will help them get back in contention for the European places. Visitors are coming off from an emotionally exhausting Europa League match against Liverpool, but they still want to put their best performance against local rivals.

Can Schalke save their season?

It’s been a rather inconsistent season for the Gelsenkirchen club up far and it must be noted that Ruhr derby is coming at a crucial time for Andre Breitenreiter’s charges, who have lost two of their last three Bundesliga matches. Only three wins in their last ten fixtures across all competitions is not exactly a perfect record and the forthcoming match against local rivals will be the perfect opportunity for the hosts to gain important momentum in the closing stages of the season. Despite their patchy form, Schalke are still in contention for European places as they are sitting seventh in the table but just a point short from the fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach. There is a huge crowd at the top of the table as five teams are separated by only four points and we are definitely in for an exciting photo finish. Derby game against BVB is just first in line of tough challenges for Schalke, who are yet to face Bayern Munich and fifth-placed Bayer Leverkusen in following weeks. This is exactly why the potential win over Dortmund would have a huge impact to team’s morale and confidence.

Klaas-Jan Huntelar is pushing for a starting berth after spending past two games on the bench and could replace the misfiring Franco Di Santo, while Leon Goretzka will miss the derby due to an injury.

Champions League secured

Having beaten Werder Bremen 3-2 last week, Thomas Tuchel’s men have secured at least the second place finish and Champions League football for the next season. What is more, Dortmund are still in the race for three titles and are highly motivated to keep pushing until the very end. Borussia Dortmund are coming off from an emotional Europa League clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, but they will be urged to forget about the nostalgia as soon as possible as there is a huge match sandwiched in between the two Europa League legs against the Reds. Thomas Tuchel was not particularly satisfied with his team’s midweek performances claiming that BVB did not deserve to beat Liverpool in the first leg and has demanded improvement from his men. Borussia Dortmund have been on a five-match winning streak before the game against the Premier League outfit and will be eager to get back to winning ways and continue to put pressure on Bayern Munich in the closing stages of the season. Not many would have expected Thomas Tuchel to be this successful in his maiden season with the BVB, but his team managed to outscore Bayern Munich and produce tantalizing football throughout. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been particularly impressive with his 25 Bundesliga goals and there is nou dobt that he will be the one to watch in the Ruhr derby as well.

Ilkay Gundogan is suffering from the lack of fitness, while Neven Subotic is the only one on the injury list. The Serbian centre back has been dealt a blow that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Verdict

Schalke are under huge pressure to put up their best performance against the local rivals. What is more, hosts are eager to get one back to Dormtund after the 3-2 loss from the first part of the season and Schalke will lack no motivation heading into the game. Four of the last five matches between the two sides have seen over 2.5 goals and similar outcome is highly likely to happen again.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.57 (4/7) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   1.62 (8/13) @StanJames

Alternative pick 2: Away win   1.73 (8/11) @Bet365

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