Schalke has a prime opportunity to take control of Group B when they face off in the second match against their greatest threat to group supremacy.
Schalke has a huge thing going for them heading into their second match against Arsenal: home field advantage. This team has been absolutely dominant at home in the German League with four wins in five matches. They have scored 10 goals and allowed just three in that span. Their lone home loss was a 2-0 final against first place Bayern Munich. Their road record is the complete opposite with two wins, two draws, and one loss in five matches. They have also scored 10 goals on the road, but have conceded eight times away from home. This prowess at home has not been quite defined in the Champions League as the club has tied in their only home match. However, their 2-0 win over Arsenal two weeks ago should bode well for this team's confidence.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been the catalyst for Schalke as he has scored in each match. They did lose this past weekend against a poor Hoffenheim squad. With a win, they lock up a spot in the knockout stages of the UCL.
Arsenal has had its own share of problems over the last few weeks. They have only won two times in their last five matches in the last few weeks including Premier League, Capital One Cup, and UCL matches. The Gunners' home loss to Schalke a few weeks ago was extremely disappointing considering the opportunity they had of taking a stranglehold on the Group. But poor defending and an inept offense were their undoing. Now they head to the road where they have a mediocre record of two wins, two draws, and two losses with seven goals in favor and five against.
Prediction: Arsenal will put up a fight and redeem their performance from two weeks ago. However, it will not end in a win as Schalke will put up an admirable home performance. 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
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