Schalke vs Bayer Leverkusen Odds & Preview Bundesliga Matchday 31

• This Sunday, Schalke play host to Bayer Leverkusen in the 31st round of Bundesliga matches
• The match has serious implications for European competition next season, as Leverkusen is outside of Champions League qualification only on goal-differential
• Read on for our preview of the match and best bet below

As the first major European league to resume play, the Bundesliga keeps rolling this weekend with Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen as one of the prominent fixtures. It is well known around the league that Bayern Munich already has one hand on their eighth consecutive German league title. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to play for in terms of European qualification, which makes this match all the more interesting.

The game is being played at the Veltins Arena, but once again will be played in front of a sea of empty seats. Schalke could use a little extra crowd motivation as they have failed to win a game since the league resumed last month. Meanwhile, Leverkusen have won three out of five in league play by a combined score of 11-6. A 4-2 loss against the league leaders this past week will have Leverkusen licking their lips at the thought of playing a defense who has let in seven goals since the resumption of play.

Schalke vs Bayer Leverkusen Odds

Odds taken June 9

Leverkusen to Be Without Key Attacker?

Due to a supposed muscle injury in the game against Freiburg, Kai Havertz has had to sit out of Leverkusen’s last two matches against Bayern and Saarbrucken. But rumor has it that it might not be a muscle injury keeping the young goalscorer out of contests. Interest from Real Madrid, Bayern, Chelsea, and Manchester United could be playing a part, which could have drastic effects on the match this weekend.

No way is Havertz out of this game with a slight muscle injury….He'll be back for the next game. Missing this because he's off to Bayern

— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) June 6, 2020

Havertz is the team’s top goalscorer, and with Kevin Volland still out due to injury, the team would have to rely heavily on the likes of Moussa Diaby and Karim Bellarabi on the offensive side of the ball. The drama could also play a part in the dressing room, which is something to consider when placing bets on this fixture.

Schalke vs Bayer Leverkusen Statistics

Schalke’s Defense Has Been Solid as of Late

Despite Leverkusen being the heavy favorites here, Schalke’s defensive solidarity as of late must be acknowledged. In the last three games, they have only allowed four goals against Dusseldorf, Werder Bremen and Union Berlin. Not the best competition, but it is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Schalke are now 1️⃣2️⃣ Bundesliga games without a win 📉 pic.twitter.com/Hoqmciq9vZ

— Goal (@goal) June 7, 2020

Schalke may not be favorited to win the match against a talent-laden Bayer team, but they might be able to cover and keep the game within a goal. Despite the logic, teams cannot lose forever. Schalke made their way to 10th place by having a really good start to the season and that must not be forgotten. They will eventually get back to winning form and it very well could be soon.

Best Bet

My best bet for this matchup is to bet the spread on Schalke at +1 (-118). This bet has really great value, and despite being somewhat of an underdog choice, it is the smart one. Leverkusen will hurt without Havertz for the third straight game, and do you really expect Diaby and Bellarabi to carry that weight? I do not, which is why I think that Schalke’s defense will have another solid night and keep the match respectable. They might not win, but my prediction is that it will be within a score.

My Prediction: Schalke to cover +1 (-118)