Arsenal V Schalke Betting Preview  

The two front runners in Group B meet on Wednesday as both teams will look to take a commanding lead as they reach the half way point in the group stages. Arsenal and Schalke remain unbeaten in the Champions League this year after two games, so it’s hard to see this encounter being anything other than a great game. Choose a free bet for this match here.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s inconsistency in the Premier League is so far yet to impact on their Champions League form. An impressive away win against Montpellier in week one was followed by a solid 3-1 victory at home against Olympiakos in the following game. They’ve been tipped to take all three points once again as Stan James prices them at 5/6 to win at the Emirates on Wednesday. Two games has seen them score five goals and concede just the two, so once again a clean sheet won’t be likely against an exciting Schalke side but at home you would back Arsenal to score two or more goals. Over 2.5 goals is at 8/11 on Bet 365 which is seemingly a very good price as all of Schalke’s and Arsenal’s games in the Champions league this season have ended with three or more goals. Arsenal to win by one goal is at 11/4 on Bet365 which may be a safe bet in a match that is anticipated to be a close encounter.

Schalke

The away side couldn’t be going into this match off a better result having beaten defending German champions Borussia Dortmund 2-1 away at Signal Iduna Park at the weekend. That win has left them third in the Bundesliga having not lost away all season. A stat which clearly shows Schalke are no pushovers in this competition as their league form is matched in the Champions League having picked up a win and a draw in their opening two games. Stan James has priced them to win at 10/3 and for the draw they are worth 13/5, two high prices for a side which has been showing a lot more consistency this year than Arsenal. Despite Arsenal being slight favourites a win or draw for Schalke at 4/5 on Bet365 is very tempting as it will undoubtedly be a close match and the likely result could indeed be a draw.

Betting Summary

It’s a tough game to call but Arsenal might just edge this one. A draw could well be on the cards but Arsenal will know a win in this match will leave them five points clear of second place with only three games left to play. Home advantage is vital in the Champions League and Arsenal to just hold the visitors off with a 2-1 win at 15/2 on Bet365 makes a lot of appeal. Having spent ten years playing in the Bundesliga, a likely anytime goalscorer could be Lukas Podolski who has also managed to score in both Arsenal’s Champions League matches this season. Both sides usually adopt an attacking style of play but you can’t help but think Schalke will be looking to come from the game with a point knowing they then play Arsenal on home soil for the next match. However, Arsenal should still have an edge in this match which is reflected with a 2-1 prediction to the Gunners.

Read more betting previews for upcoming matches in our betting tips section. If you fancy a free bet for this match, or any upcoming event, check out the £25 free bet offer from Blue Square.

By Max Hodge

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