BUNDESLIGA fanatic Jonny O'Sullivan (@libero_the) oversees Wednesday's showdown between Eintracht Frankfurt and Schalke.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Schalke | Wednesday 17th June 2020, 17:30 | BT Sport
Eintracht Frankfurt host a Schalke side who have a squad in a miserable state. With 11 players unavailable for this match, the Royal Blues will be fearing the worst.
A positive result against Leverkusen at the weekend for the travelling side will only lead to fatigue in Wednesday’s fixture just three days later. With the attacking threats of Amine Harit, Suat Serdar and Guido Burgstaller all out, accompanied by the defensive losses of Jean-Clair Todibo, Salif Sane and Matija Nastatsic, Schalke truly are in a sorry situation.
Frankfurt are a hit-and-miss side but one player who has been well and truly hit since the restart is former Porto wonderkid Andre Silva. The Portuguese forward has six goals in his last seven matches and his introduction last weekend at half time against Hertha Berlin spun the game in Die Adler's favour. Two goals and one assist was a clear sign of a man in form.
This week Silva has signalled his intent to stay in the Bundesliga and is clearly enjoying life on German soil with 10 goals in 22 outings. He’s 7/5 (BetVictor) to add to his tally and that’s a selection I really like.
Schalke have lost seven games out their last 10 and David Wagner's job has been looking on thin ice in recent weeks. Although they were unlucky at the weekend, the feeling that they can recreate that level of performance with the depth they possess in their squad seems a big ask.
A key match-up will be down Frankfurt's left-hand side. Filip Kostic is Eintracht’s key player and has been linking up well with Daichi Kamada in recent weeks, who is one of the most aesthetically pleasing players in the league. This combination against Jonjoe Kenny will be an area where Frankfurt will be looking to dominate.
The crossing and playmaking ability of both Kostic and Kamada will be perfect for the aerial ability of Silva, who will not be facing a full-strength Schalke central defence.
The last time Schalke won on the road was November and the visitors have also failed to score in five of their last seven trips away. The Royal Blues have also failed to score in five of their preceding seven such trips. On the other hand, Frankfurt have won three of their past five match-ups and even scored twice or more in each victory.
Frankfurt have won three out their last five and have scored plenty of goals in the process. They have scored 15 goals in the past seven and are a facing a team who have not kept a clean sheet since the return, failing to win a match in the process.
With the combination of Schalke's leaky defence, Silva's potent form and Frankfurt's ability to score whenever they please, I believe backing the hosts at 7/10 (VBet) to score Over 1.5 Goals is worth a go.
Best Bets
Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke – Eintracht Frankfurt to score Over 1.5 Goals (7/10 VBet)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke – Andre Silva to score at anytime (7/5 BetVictor)
