Schalke v Borussia Monchengladbach: Tired Schalke to suffer again

Schalke v Borussia Monchengladbach
Thursday 09 March, 20:05
Live on BT Sport

Schalke

This has been a hugely disappointing first season in charge for new coach Markus Weinzierl and new sporting director Christian Heidel, but there have been mitigating circumstances. A cruel injury crisis has gripped the club from the first whistle. New signing Coke, whose brace won the Europa League for Sevilla last season, still hasn't kicked a ball this term. Record signing Breel Embolo started strongly, but was brutally kicked out of a game at Augsburg, and hasn't featured since. Strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Franco Di Santo have also had spells on the treatment table, and now veteran defender Naldo has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

It's also worth remembering that the Royal Blues lost some key players in the summer. Leroy Sane defected to Manchester City, and a load of goals and assists went with him, and Joel Matip left for Liverpool. If the Royal Blues fail to qualify for European football, then it's conceivable that outstanding midfielder Leon Goretzka and rampaging left-back Sead Kolasinac could depart this summer.

Schalke have saved their best displays for this competition, but this isn't like a normal Europa League tie. They face a Borussia Monchengladbach side that spanked them 4-2 at Borussia Park in the Bundesliga on Saturday, and the Royal Blues have now gone five games without a win in all competitions.

Borussia Monchengladbach

It's amazing just how much of an impact a coaching change can have sometimes. Under Andre Schubert, Borussia Monchengladbach were sliding down the standings, and couldn't buy a win on the road. His replacement Dieter Hecking has already won six consecutive away matches with the Foals, including a stunning 4-2 comeback win at Fiorentina in the Europa League's last 32.

Hecking has gone back to basics, ripping up Schubert's possession-heavy gameplan. The return of excellent Brazilian forward Raffael has been welcome, and his strike partner Lars Stindl is in terrific form. Gladbach have scored 22 goals in 11 games since the change at the helm, and they have only lost twice.

Gladbach took advantage of an error-strewn performance by Schalke at the weekend, and could have won by more goals. American midfielder Fabian Johnson continued his excellent recent form with a brace, and Raffael was a menace from the start.

The Foals will be without tireless midfield dynamo Christoph Kramer because of suspension, but Tobias Strobl can step in, even if he is a somewhat limited replacement.

Match Odds

Schalke won the corresponding league fixture 4-0, but you can almost throw that result out of the window. Gladbach were going nowhere under Schubert, and Schalke were inspired that evening by Breel Embolo, who is sidelined. Since Naldo was injured, Schalke have leaked goals at an alarming rate, and injuries are finally taking their toll on a squad that is looking tired.

Gladbach have been sensational under Hecking, and couldn't be more confident heading into this game. They will press forward looking for away goals, and I'm happy to use their status as outsiders to keep the draw onside. I'm backing them Draw No Bet at 2.42.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

These two sides shared six goals at the weekend, and you could definitely make a case for backing overs at 2.02. Four of Gladbach's last five games have featured three goals or more, while Schalke have leaked ten goals in their last five outings.

Recommended Bet
Back Borussia Monchengladbach Draw No Bet at 2.42