Having discussed about the chances of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund previously, now we will take a look at Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach’s title hopes
This season’s Bundesliga is expected to go down the wire as there is immense competition amongst the top four teams. While Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich were always going to be favourites before the start of the current season,
determining the other teams that would make their mark in this year’s Bundesliga was always going to be difficult.
Many would have predicted the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg to put a challenge this year but the duo have struggled thus far and have no chance whatsoever in the remaining course of the season.
Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach have made tremendous progress thus far in the competition, and have an outstanding chance of at least booking a place in Europe for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Schalke
The Royal Blues have shown immense improvement from the last season; when they failed even to finish in the top ten. The 2010/11 Champions League semi-finalists were not even given any outside chance of winning the crown this term,
but their first-half performances have forced many to rethink.
Die Knappen have emerged as a huge force in the current campaign and the team has been consistent throughout the course of the first-half. Although Schalke’s start to the proceedings after the winter break has been average, their
title credentials can still not be ruled out.
Huub Stevens’ side have been riding on the superb goal scoring form of their two strikers, Raul Gonzalez and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Klaas-Jan-Huntelaar-c21175. Both of them have so far shared 29 goals between them, and as a result, Schalke are currently sitting
fourth on the league table.
One thing which would certainly have a positive effect on the Royal Blues is Raul’s desire to stay at the Veltins-Arena beyond this season. Raul’s strike partner, Huntelaar, might also agree at signing a contract extension at the
end of this season if http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-c30652 assures of his stay at the club.
With no major injury concerns, the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Royal-95-c40387 Blues are definite contenders for this season’s crown which will be a terrific achievement for Huub Stevens in his first season as Schalke manager.
Borussia Monchengladbach
The last year’s relegation contenders are currently second on the league standings with 46 points, only three adrift of the current leaders, Borussia Dortmund. The Foals have shocked many with their sensational performances this
season and have been on par with the top sides in the Bundesliga. Lucien Favre's men have surprised everyone with their ruthless display so far this term, and are already riding high above the names such as Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen.
Marco Reus has played a significant role so far this term for the Foals, but the striker has already agreed a five-year deal with Borussia Dortmund. This news will definitely have its negative impact on the club, but one assumes
that Reus will carry on his good work from the first-half in order to help Favre’s men lift the unlikely Bundesliga crown which they have not won since the 1976/77 campaign.
One thing is for sure, Gladbach will not be perturbed by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marco-Reus-c23733’ or Roman Neustadter’s departure at the end of this term, and will fight hard to achieve the inevitable.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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