Schalke 04 vs. Hertha Berlin Tips and Odds – 01/08/2025

• Fixture: Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin
• Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Venue: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Match Preview

The 2. Bundesliga gets underway with a blockbuster clash as Schalke 04 welcome Hertha Berlin to the Veltins Arena on August 1, 2025. Both clubs enter the new season with fresh hope, aiming to push for promotion after eventful previous campaigns. This opener will set the tone for the season, and given the rich history between these two sides, fans can expect plenty of drama under the Friday night lights.

Schalke finished the 2024/25 season with some positive momentum, most notably beating Hertha 2-1 away in Berlin the last time they faced off in March 2025. Their end-of-season form included a crucial 1-0 win over Preussen Munster, showcasing improved defensive stability. Hertha, on the other hand, faltered in the closing stages, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Elversberg in their final outing and squandering a chance to finish higher up the table. Their inconsistency has been a theme, alternating big wins with disappointing losses—a trend they’ll look to reverse at the Veltins.

In terms of absences and squad news, both teams have made offseason adjustments but do not seem to be carrying major suspensions or long-term injuries heading into the match—though final lineups could still change closer to kickoff. Schalke will hope to see forward Simon Terodde firing after overcoming fitness issues last spring, while Hertha will look for impact from their own attacking signings and hope that any lingering knocks to key men are managed.

Expect a tactical battle. Schalke—bolstered by a strong home crowd and solid defensive discipline—often look to exploit set pieces and quick transitions. Hertha, meanwhile, typically opt for possession-based football but have struggled to find consistency away from home. Matches between these sides are rarely dull, with both averaging over 2.8 goals per encounter in recent years. In fact, 81% of their recent games have featured over 1.5 goals, and more than half over 2.5—a trend likely to continue given both teams’ attacking ambitions.

Key Players to Watch

• Schalke 04: Simon Terodde (striker), Danny Latza (midfield engine), talented winger Kenan Karaman, and defensive leader Marcin Kaminski.
• Hertha Berlin: Haris Tabakovic (top scorer last term), Fabian Reese (ex-Schalke, always motivated for this matchup), and midfield orchestrator Ivan Sunjic. Paul Seguin could also be a pivotal presence in midfield, having swapped clubs during the summer.

Prediction

Given Schalke’s sturdy home record, motivation to start strong, and the psychological boost from their recent win in Berlin, they appear slight favorites. However, Hertha cannot be underestimated—their attacking flair could trouble a sometimes inconsistent Schalke back line. Expect fireworks, but Schalke’s home advantage may see them edge a high-scoring draw or narrow win.

Betting Markets and Odds

Odds are indicative only and should be verified for accuracy immediately before placing any bet.

Whichever side you back, the stage is set for an enthralling return to Friday night football in Gelsenkirchen!