With only seven games remaining in the Bundesliga, the battle to avoid relegation is still unpredictable. The bottom six teams are only eight points apart, and every point is crucial in this stage of the competition. One of the decisive fixtures in this regard will be Schalke 04’s home game against Hertha Berlin, which is scheduled to play on Friday at Veltins-Arena.
Schalke Without Yoshida for Crucial Game Against Hertha Berlin
Schalke 04 is currently at the bottom of the Bundesliga table with just ten points, two points away from the relegation playoff spot and five points away from safety. They are facing Hertha Berlin, who are one point above the playoff position and have a five-game winless run in the Bundesliga. Consequently, Friday’s match is a relegation six-pointer for both teams.
However, Schalke will be without their Japanese defender Maya Yoshida, who has been an important player for them this season. Yoshida suffered an injury during training this week and will miss the crucial match. Schalke coach Thomas Reis was already unimpressed with his team’s performance in their last game against Hoffenheim, which they lost 4-2. A win against Hertha could push them into the relegation playoff place and boost their morale for upcoming matches.
Simon Terodde is expected to be restored to Schalke’s starting lineup after coming off the bench during their last game. Midfielders Danny Latza and Dominick Drexler may also feature in Schalke’s team.
On the other hand, Marco Richter is returning to Hertha’s starting lineup after completing his suspension. Hertha will try to make amends after losing their last two games against Borussia Monchengladbach and Freiburg.
Match Preview of Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga
Schalke 04 has the lowest scoring record in the top flight, with only 16 goals in their 27 games. While they need to improve their performance in front of goal if they want to avoid relegation, they have a chance to change their poor home record, which is the worst in the Bundesliga. Friday’s game will be one of their final three home fixtures against Hertha, Werder Bremen, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Moritz Jenz is fit for Friday’s fixture and is expected to start alongside another central defender at the back for Schalke. Soichiro Kozuki, Sebastian Polter, and Justin Heekeren are sidelined due to injury.
Hertha BSC has the worst away record in the division, with only one victory and five points from their 13 league matches. They ended their run of eight consecutive Bundesliga away defeats with a draw against Freiburg on their most recent road trip. However, they have been conceding too many goals from set-pieces lately, including four of their last five goals.
Hertha has won the last three meetings against Schalke 04 in recent games, including a 2-1 win in October. Jean-Paul Boëtius, Chidera Ejuke, and Kelian Nsona are expected to be absent from the match for Hertha BSC.
Analysis of Relegation Battle in Bundesliga
Data analysis predicted that FC Augsburg and VfL Bochum would fight it out for relegation this season; however, Augsburg may still be in a precarious position due to their difficulties in creating chances and their tough remaining fixture list. Meanwhile, TSG Hoffenheim has turned its form around with three wins in a row and has a relatively easier fixture list remaining.
Bochum’s metrics have also improved in shots on goal, chance creation, and set-pieces. However, they face tough opponents in their remaining fixtures. Stuttgart, with a new coach, has shown improvement in attacking metrics and should stay up based on their remaining fixtures and players’ quality.
Hertha Berlin has struggled in all aspects of the game and has had poor away form; it is likely they will be relegated. The match against Schalke 04 could prove to be a turning point for both teams in the relegation battle.
Confirmed Starting XI for Schalke 04 vs Hertha BSC
Schalke 04:
Rønnow; Thiaw, Jenz, Mustafi, Ludewig; Flick, Latza; Drexler, Harit, Kolašinac; Terodde.
Hertha BSC:
Jarstein; Pekarík, Stark, Boyata, Plattenhardt; Darida, Tousart; Lukebakio, Cunha, Netz; Cordoba.
In conclusion, the Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin match is crucial for both teams’ chances of avoiding relegation from the Bundesliga. Schalke will miss one of their key defenders due to injury but will hope to make amends for their recent defeat against Hoffenheim. Hertha Berlin has to improve their away form if they want to remain in the top-flight division. The match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams will give their all to secure a vital three points.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
