The 2. Bundesliga kicks off with a heavyweight clash as Schalke 04 welcome Hertha Berlin to the Veltins-Arena, where two former Bundesliga giants aim to start their promotion push on a high note. Both teams, desperate to escape the second tier, bring contrasting momentum into this August 1, 2025, showdown, making it a must-watch opener for German football fans.
Scheduled for 18:30 GMT+0 on August 1, 2025, at the 62,271-capacity Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, as per Flashscore, this 2. Bundesliga regular-season match awaits its referee assignment. Schalke, under new boss Miron Muslic, are hungry to reclaim their top-flight status, while Hertha, revitalized by Stefan Leitl, look to build on their late-season surge last term.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into the Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin prediction today. This opening fixture pits two clubs with rich histories but recent struggles, and their recent form and head-to-head clashes offer critical clues. Schalke’s home advantage faces a stern test from Hertha’s newfound resilience. The stats from their latest matches and past encounters suggest a tight, high-stakes battle. Let’s unpack their performances to sharpen your Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin betting tips.
Schalke 04 Results
Schalke 04, once Champions League semi-finalists, are desperate to shed their second-tier struggles after a disappointing 14th-place finish last season. Miron Muslic’s arrival signals a fresh start, but their pre-season has been inconsistent. Here’s a look at their last five matches to gauge their readiness.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 26/07/25 | CF | Schalke vs Sevilla | 2-4 | L |
| 20/07/25 | CF | Ahlen vs Schalke | 0-3 | W |
| 19/07/25 | CF | Schalke vs Twente | 0-0 | D |
| 12/07/25 | CF | Schalke vs St. Gallen | 1-0 | W |
| 12/07/25 | CF | Wehen vs Schalke | 3-2 | L |
Schalke’s pre-season form is patchy, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their home defeat to Sevilla exposed defensive vulnerabilities, conceding four goals. Away wins against weaker sides like Ahlen show promise, but the draw against Twente suggests struggles in breaking down organized defenses. The lack of a consistent scoring threat could haunt them against Hertha. Home support at Veltins-Arena might lift their spirits, but they need sharper finishing.
Hertha Berlin Results
Hertha Berlin, under Stefan Leitl’s guidance, turned their season around last term, losing just three of their final 12 games. Their pre-season shows a team gaining confidence, aiming to challenge for promotion. Here’s how they’ve fared in their last five matches.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 25/07/25 | CF | Motherwell vs Hertha Berlin | 1-1 | D |
| 18/07/25 | CF | Austria Vienna vs Hertha Berlin | 1-2 | W |
| 13/07/25 | CF | Brondby vs Hertha Berlin | 1-0 | L |
| 08/07/25 | CF | Hertha Berlin vs TSV Havelse | 3-2 | W |
| 05/07/25 | CF | BFC Dynamo vs Hertha Berlin | 0-6 | W |
Hertha’s pre-season form is solid, with three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their victories over lower-tier sides and Austria Vienna highlight attacking potency, led by Fabian Reese. The narrow loss to Brondby shows they can compete with quality opposition, though defensive lapses remain a concern. The draw at Motherwell suggests they’re still fine-tuning. Their ability to score consistently could trouble Schalke’s shaky backline.
Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin Head-to-Head
The rivalry between Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin has produced some thrilling encounters, with recent matches showing both teams capable of winning. Their head-to-head history in the 2. Bundesliga is competitive, often decided by fine margins. Let’s review their last five meetings.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 08/03/25 | 2BUN | Hertha Berlin vs Schalke | 1-2 |
| 05/10/24 | 2BUN | Schalke vs Hertha Berlin | 2-2 |
| 17/03/24 | 2BUN | Hertha Berlin vs Schalke | 5-2 |
| 08/10/23 | 2BUN | Schalke vs Hertha Berlin | 1-2 |
| 14/04/23 | BUN | Schalke vs Hertha Berlin | 5-2 |
The head-to-head record is balanced, with two wins each and one draw in the last five. Schalke’s 5-2 thrashing in 2023 shows their potential to dominate at home, but Hertha’s recent victories, including a 5-2 rout, prove their threat. The 2-2 draw last season suggests neither side easily pulls away, setting up a close contest.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin
The 2. Bundesliga opener on August 1, 2025, at Veltins-Arena sees Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin battling to kickstart their promotion campaigns, and their predicted lineups reveal how they might approach this clash. Schalke, under Miron Muslic, will lean on new signings to spark a revival, while Hertha, guided by Stefan Leitl, blend youth and experience to challenge on the road. Below are the expected starting XIs, with player positions reflecting the latest team news.
Schalke 04 Predicted Starting Lineup
Karius (GK), Sanchez (DF), Katic (DF), Becker T. (DF), Bulut (MF), Schallenberg (MF), Gruger (MF), Becker V. (MF), El-Faouzi (FW), Sylla (FW), Hamache (FW)
Hertha Berlin Predicted Starting Lineup
Ernst (GK), Zeefuik (DF), Leistner (DF), Dardai (DF), Eitschberger (MF), Demme (MF), Karbownik (MF), Cuisance (MF), Krattenmacher (MF), Reese (FW), Kownacki (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Both Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin head into their August 1, 2025, 2. Bundesliga clash with key absences that could influence the outcome. Injuries and other issues have sidelined several players, forcing managers to adapt their strategies. The table below lists unavailable players, excluding those in the predicted lineups, with their full names and reasons for missing the match.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Schalke 04 | Janik Bachmann | Knock |
| Schalke 04 | Altay Bayindir | Thigh Injury |
| Schalke 04 | Tomas Kalas | Knock |
| Hertha Berlin | John Brooks | Ankle Injury |
| Hertha Berlin | Marius Gersbeck | Shoulder Injury |
| Hertha Berlin | Bilal Hussein | Ankle Injury |
| Hertha Berlin | Pascal Klemens | Head Injury |
| Hertha Berlin | Linus Schuler | Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
To nail the Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin match prediction, you need to focus on the details that could swing this 2. Bundesliga opener. Injuries, form, and tactical nuances will play a huge role. Here are eight critical points to consider for this clash.
- Schalke’s home form is inconsistent, with four straight league losses last season;
- Hertha’s late-season surge under Leitl saw them lose just three of 12 games;
- Schalke’s captain Kenan Karaman is out until September with a knee injury;
- Hertha’s new signing Dawid Kownacki brings proven goal-scoring from Fortuna Dusseldorf;
- Schalke’s pre-season defense conceded six goals in two losses;
- Hertha’s Fabian Reese is in top form, driving their attack in pre-season;
- Schalke’s new signing Nikola Katic could bolster their backline if he starts;
- Hertha’s loss of key players like Jonjoe Kenny may weaken their defensive structure.
Free Tips on Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin
To make smart bets on the Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin clash, lean on the stats and trends from their recent performances and head-to-head battles. This 2. Bundesliga opener on August 1, 2025, hinges on key patterns that reveal where the value lies. Here are five betting tips, drawn from historical data and team dynamics, to guide your wagers.
- Study Goal Trends in Past Meetings: Three of the last five Schalke vs Hertha games saw both teams score, with high-scoring thrillers like 5-2 results; expect goals in this matchup.
- Assess Veltins-Arena’s Pitch Impact: The natural grass at Veltins-Arena, if slick from rain, could favor Hertha’s quick counter-attacks; check weather updates before betting.
- Factor in Fan Boost for Schalke: Schalke’s passionate home crowd can act as a 12th man, potentially pushing them to match Hertha’s intensity; consider bets on a competitive scoreline.
- Account for Hertha’s Travel Fatigue: Hertha’s recent trip to Austria and Scotland for pre-season may leave them slightly drained; a slow start could open opportunities for Schalke.
- Check Referee Tendencies: The referee’s card or penalty habits could shape this heated contest; explore prop bets on bookings if the official is known for strict calls.
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Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin Prediction 2025
For the Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin prediction 2025, I’m backing Hertha Berlin to edge a tight victory. Their late-season form last term, losing just three of 12 under Leitl, shows a team finding its groove, and their pre-season wins suggest they’re ready to hit the ground running. Schalke, despite the home advantage at Veltins-Arena, are reeling from a poor end to last season and a shaky pre-season, with defensive issues exposed against Sevilla. The absence of captain Kenan Karaman further dents their leadership, while Hertha’s attack, led by Fabian Reese and new boy Dawid Kownacki, looks potent enough to exploit those gaps. The Schalke 04 vs Hertha Berlin odds favor Schalke slightly due to home support, but Hertha’s momentum and tactical cohesion give them the edge. Their head-to-head history, with three of five games seeing both teams score, points to a lively match, but Hertha’s recent road form tilts the scales. Expect a 2-1 win for the visitors, as they capitalize on Schalke’s vulnerabilities while surviving the home crowd’s pressure.
Our Prediction: Schalke 04 1-2 Hertha Berlin
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Hertha Berlin Win | 2.44 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.46 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.55 |
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