FC Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction (01.04.2023)

On Saturday afternoon, relegation-threatened Schalke hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Veltins Arena in a game that could have significant implications for both team's Bundesliga campaigns.

The Royal Blues have given themselves a chance of survival by mounting an eight-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. The only issue is that six of those eight matches have finished in draws. The Gelsenkirchen outfit has drawn their last two league matches against arch-rivals Dortmund and last time out Augsburg.

The recent unbeaten recent run of form has moved Schalke to within a point of both the relegation play-off spot and also the safety of 15th place.

Schalke are unbeaten in their last four home games in the Bundesliga, although they have also won just two of the previous ten home league matches.

Die Werkself head to Gelsenkirchen in red-hot form, having recorded five straight victories in all competitions, including winning their last three matches in the German top flight.

A key to their improved results of late has been their attacking displays, as Bayer has scored at least two goals in all five of their recent victories.

The stellar run of form has put Xabi Alonso’s team back in contention for a European spot, as they are now just three points shy of sixth-place Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayer has also won four of their last six away games in the German top flight while scoring at least two goals in each of the wins on their travels.

Schalke has a lengthy injury list, with expected absentees through injury including Dominick Drexler, Tim Skarke, Jere Uronen, Justin Heekeren, Soichiro Kozuki, Thomas Ouwejan, Sepp van den Berg, Marcin Kaminski, Tom Kraus and Sebastian Polter.

Bayer could be without Patrik Schick, Charles Aranguiz and Andrey Lunev, all due to injuries. Karim Bellarabi is a doubt due to illness.

Schalke have been harder to beat in recent months. However, I believe that Bayer Leverkusen will emerge from this clash with what could be a pivotal three points.