Schalke – Hamburger

Two heavyweights in German football,Schalke and Hamburger, will square off in the opening game of the 2. Bundesliga season on Friday. Both sides have played some thrilling games in the past, and it is a shame that the upcoming skirmish will take place in Second Bundesliga. Schalke did well in pre-season and will head into the new campaign unbeaten.

Like Schalke, Hamburg had a good pre-season. They won three of their four games, and drew the other. The head-to-head record between the two sides is not heavily one-sided as Schalke have won this fixture 42 times, while Hamburg have picked up 39 wins. A total of 24 games have ended in draws.

Both teams will target promotion this season and need to get off to a good start to lay down a marker. Hamburg will aim to launch their season with a positive result but Schalke will fancy their chances in front of their home fans.