Schalke v Paderborn Tips

Second-placed Schalke 04 welcome league leaders Paderborn on Friday evening. The two teams are separated by one point. Paderborn suffered a heavy defeat in the previous round.

Paderborn arrive as the away side with several defensive absences, including Bilbija, Brackelmann, and long-term injury Hoffmeier, which may force adjustments at the back. Despite these issues, Paderborn remain a dangerous team in transition, often creating chances through quick attacks and exploiting space behind defenders. Their recent form shows they are capable of troubling Schalke, and previous meetings have included strong offensive performances from Paderborn. Schalke’s injury problems may also open opportunities for the visitors to control phases of the match. If Paderborn stay compact defensively and finish their chances, they have a realistic shot at taking points away.

Recent meetings between these two sides have tended to be open, with three of the last four head-to-head clashes going above the two-goal mark. Paderborn also shows a similar trend at home, with two of their last three home matches producing more than two goals. Both teams usually create enough chances to make this another lively contest.

Schalke are averaging 1.2 goals per game at home in the league this season, whereas Paderborn are averaging 1.3 goals per game away in the league this season.

Paderborn are leading the table. They have recorded 9 wins and 2 losses in 13 matches in Bundesliga II this season. Schalke are 2nd in the table. They have 9 wins and 3 losses after their first 13 matches in the league. Schalke have 1 win (4-2) in the last 2 mutual matches. At these odds, I will try Both Teams To Score and Schalke to win.