Schalke 04 VS Krasnodar Match Prediction

Schalke maintained their perfect record in Group I with a 1-0 win at Krasnodar that kept them at the top of the section two weeks ago. Yevhen Konoplyanka's goal 10 minutes into the match proved to be the difference between the sides on that occasion and the Ukraine international is likely to be a key figure again here.

Krasnodar's record in five games against German teams is W1 L4 and they have lost on their two previous visits to Germany, which is vital for our Schalke v Krasnodar betting tips. Krasnodar are unbeaten in three European away fixtures this season, however, keeping a clean sheet in all three of those matches, so they will be tough to break down.
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Schalke vs Krasnodar Prediction

Schalke beat Krasnodar away from home a fortnight ago, so it stands to reason that they should have enough in the tank to do the double over the Russian side. On the up under Weinzierl, Schalke have turned around their poor start to the season and can qualify with two games to spare if they win this game. Krasnodar would be delighted with a draw and will likely try to keep things tight, but the hosts can find a way through and sneak a narrow victory.

Schalke vs Krasnodar Betting Tips

A price of 4/6 looks fair for Schalke to win on Thursday considering they beat Krasnodar on MD3 and that victory came away from home. The visitors can be backed at around the 5/1 mark, while 16/5 is available for the draw.

As Schalke have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven Europa League matches and Krasnodar have not conceded a goal away from home in Europe this season, a close game is likely. Under 2.5 goals is therefore recommended at evens, while 3/10 on under 1/5 goals may even be worth considering. Schalke to win 1-0 again is a very tempting 13/2 for this game.

After an appalling start to the season, Schalke are on the up. They have gone seven games unbeaten in all competitions and were able to hold Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their weekend Bundesliga fixture. 

Markus Weinzierl is unlikely to make many changes from that game at the Signal-Iduna-Park, with Schalke on the brink of qualifying for the next round. Yevhen Konoplyanka and Benjamin Stambouli could come into the starting line-up from the bench.

Schalke likely XI:

Krasnodar's game at the weekend also ended in a draw away from home, with a 0-0 at Anzhi leaving them in fifth place in the Russian Premier League table. With two wins from their three Group I matches, Krasnodar are in decent shape but they lost 1-0 at home to Schalke on MD3. 

Joaozinho and Ari have hit five Europa League goals between them this season and they will pose the main threat for the Russian side on Thursday.

Krasnodar likely XI:

A very close game is expected in this one, with Schalke 1-0 victors when the sides met in Russia just a couple of weeks ago. Schalke are one of only four teams in this year\'s Europa League to have a perfect record and they can maintain that here, but it is likely to be tight.

Schalke have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven Europa League matches.