Match: German Bundesliga 2
Fixture: Schalke 04 vs. Hertha Berlin
Local kick-off time: 20:30 on August 1
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Handicap prediction:
Hertha Berlin -0.25 (Asian Handicap)
Away win (European Odds)
Predicted scores: 0-1, 0-2, 1-2
Predicted total goals: 1, 2, 3
Comprehensive analysis:
Schalke 04 had a mediocre performance last season. This season, the team is managed by Milon Muslić, former coach of Plymouth in the English Championship. Due to limited funds, they have been inactive in the transfer market, only signing two defenders, Fauzi and Katić, in hopes of improving a defense that ranked among the bottom three in the league last season. Under new coach Muslić, the team is in a transitional phase, switching from a 4-2-3-1 formation to 4-3-3. Fully implementing the coach's tactics and philosophy will not happen overnight.
Hertha Berlin have some injured players, including goalkeeper Gesbeck and midfielder Sessa. However, the team has actively strengthened its squad in the transfer market: Kownacki joined from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, a player with a proven track record in the 2. Bundesliga; in addition, Paul Seguin and Kratzenberger transferred from Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich respectively. Hertha's coach Stephan Leitl took office in February, so the team is relatively stable. They also gained momentum towards the end of last season, losing only 1 of their final 9 matches.
Handicap analysis:
The initial Asian Handicap gave Hertha Berlin a -0.25 advantage. This is the opening match of the new 2. Bundesliga season, and both teams have made some signings, but their overall performances last season were in the lower-middle of the league. Hertha Berlin ranked slightly higher, so it is reasonable to give them a handicap as the away side. The initial odds for Hertha Berlin were low at 0.82, later adjusted to 0.84. Overall, current Asian Handicap institutions show greater support for the away side.
Looking at the European Odds, the initial combination of 2.75-3.4-2.25 has been adjusted to 2.95/3.55/2.33. The home team's odds keep rising, the draw odds have dropped slightly, while Hertha Berlin's odds remain stable. The initial odds were within a reasonable range; after the draw odds dropped, they still remain slightly above the reasonable range, while the away side's odds have been consistently below it. It can be seen that the European Odds also recognize the away side to some extent. Combining the attitudes of both European and Asian Handicaps, there is obvious support for Hertha Berlin. Despite some resistance, with limited current attention, Hertha Berlin may find it easier to secure victory in this match.
