Bundesliga preview and tips: Bayern should overpower Schalke with Gnabry a real threat
Tipstrr football expert Paul Bathurst feels Bayern Munich will have no problem overpowering Schalke in their Bundesliga battle this weekend, and expects Serge Gnabry to get on the scoresheet.
Schalke are in a vicious battle themselves, but for different reasons. The newly-promoted side are determined to stay in the Bundesliga but are just two points away from the relegation zone.
A 3-2 win away at Mainz 05 last weekend was a huge step in their fight to survive, and with rivals Stuttgart and Bochum both dropping points, Thomas Reis will now feel confident his side can escape the drop.
However, the German manager will be aware that any sort of result at Allianz Arena this week would be a huge bonus.
Bayern are still without first choice defenders Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies due to injury, whilst Eric Choupo-Moting is a serious doubt to face his former club.
The in-form Serge Gnabry is likely to start up front and despite just 12 starts this season, he is Bayern's top goal scorer with 11.
Bayern Munich have won all their last 11 matches against Schalke and have won the last six without conceding. Schalke have not been prolific this season having failed to score in a league-high 14 games this campaign.
Schalke will expect nothing from this fixture and are likely to sit deep in a low block to frustrate the champions.
Marius Butler will be Schalke's biggest threat on the counter, his directness and turn of speed could potentially cause problems to Benjamin Pavard and Noussair Mazraoui on Bayern's right side.
Bayern Munich should claim a routine victory in this one as they seek to propel themselves to their first league title under Tuchel's reign.
Schalke are unlikely to threaten the scoresheet considering their league record and recent history in this fixture.
Bayern Munich to win this game without conceding appears very generous around the even money mark, whilst Serge Gnabry to get on the scoresheet is a viable option also.