Duisburg vs Schalke 04 – Match Preview and Betting Tips
These teams have failed miserably in achieving all their objectives for this year, and the Cup final is the only reachable target. Schalke are regarded as overwhelming favorites to win the trophy, but it’s up to the players to translate the odds into silverware. Raul was acquired last year in an attempt to restore the offensive prowess to a depleted side, but so far the results have been only marginally satisfying.
With the Champions League adventure ending abruptly at the hands of Manchester United, it is clear that the Germans have to invest some more in the defensive system. While the offensive was the one to carry Schalke throughout the entire competition, the moment it stopped delivering, the entire team crumbled. A different approach is required for this fixture, and if they are to return to their winning ways, then it is crucial to start building up pressure from the first minute.
The Bundesliga was a huge disappointment for Schalke and they finished hazardously close to the relegation zone. Even if their fate was never really in danger, for a squad who signed such prolific strikers, it was a failure that is impossible to forgive. Huntelaar, Raul and Edu are all expected to start tonight, in an attempt to earn the first and most important victory in over a month. During the span, Schalke lost six games in a row, while conceding 15 goals and scoring just four.
On the other side we have a squad, who also failed in achieving their goals in the domestic league, but their ambitions were considerably lower than Schalke’s. Playing in the second division is way below their potential, but their bid of returning to Bundesliga was short lived and for at least another year they will play against lesser teams. The success in the DFB Pokal can be explained by the fact that the opposition was light and allowed them to play the offensive football they like so much.
If we are to name one player, who is responsible for Duisburg’s success, than we have to look no further than Maierhofer. He played 27 games this year for his team and scored 8 goals, one less than the top scorer Baljak, but he shinned in the Cup games and landed the decisive goals. The two strikers will start together, hoping that they can throw Schalke’s defense off balance, while their own backline will fend off the waves of attacks.
These teams are not the kind to settle with draws and push games into overtime, so I wouldn’t bet monopoly money on this result. The emphasis is placed on the offense in both cases and the focus is to score one more goal than the opponent, which should be more than enough to justify an Over 2,5 bet.
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