Domenico Tedesco has convinced all critics on Schalke meanwhile and even with his own fans, the coach has earned a big credit. Gone are the doubts, whether a completely inexperienced in the Bundesliga man with the difficult environment in Gelsenkirchen gets along. Forgotten is the dispute with former captain Benedikt Höwedes, who led to the departure of the national player. After winning the runner-up ahead of archrival Borussia Dortmund and reaching the semi-finals in the DFB Cup, there is peace, joy and pancakes on Schalke – but how long? The fast mood swings in the Royal Blues are well known and so the team is facing a heavy year ahead with the increased expectations.
In the Cup, the start with a sovereign 2-0 in Schweinfurt ever succeeded and at the league start the Schalke have to go on trips – to Wolfsburg. The crisis-ridden wolves are aiming for better days after two chaos seasons and the duel between the two clubs on Saturday will show which club is better off the starting blocks. The bookmakers imply before the match between Wolfsburg and Schalke by means of lower odds a higher probability of success for bets on the away win. The match will take place on Saturday afternoon and will kick off at 14:30.
Wolfsburg:
Bruno Labbadia wants to prove something and that he not only serves as a good fireman in the Bundesliga, but can also continuously develop a team. Similar to his colleague Tedesco on Schalke a year ago, Labbadia faces great skepticism in his own fan camp. The meager 1-0 last weekend in the Cup against Elversberg was still no playful treat and has not necessarily increased the credit of the coach.
Especially offensively there was a complete renewal of the wolves after the departure of Mario Gomez last winter and the sale of Daniel Didavi in the summer. Felix Klaus from Hannover 96 and Daniel Ginczek from VfB Stuttgart are expected to score goals this season. Behind it, a Maximilian Arnold has to step out of the role of the talented youngster and take on more responsibility. The potential of the wolves is unmistakable. Now it’s about finally getting it. The first chance will come on Saturday in the home game against the miners. Although Wolfsburg is at a disadvantage against Schalke according to bookmakers’ odds, the betting odds available for a bet on the win are not all that far apart.
Schalke:
The S04 has again impressively presented its great strengths at the first competitive game in the new season. The young team has reached an incredible maturity and presented itself in the style of a top team in the cup in Schweinfurt. In the regional league from northern Bavaria, the Royal Blues defensively left little room for more than 90 minutes, and the few chances that came with it were used icy cold in the front, resulting in a friendly and confident 2-0 victory at the end.
In contrast to the previous season, in which the runner-up exceeded any goal, Schalke goes into this season with a well-stocked squad well, which is also necessary for the new triple load. In central defense takes the place next to Naldo Salif Sane. In attack Tedesco is next to Burgstaller and Di Santo with Mark Uth from TSG Hoffenheim another option. The new tactical flexibility makes the fans look forward to Wolfsburg on Saturday and the Gelsenkirchen have to put their cards completely on the table for the first time.
PREDICTION: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.72
