Schalke 04 were the surprise package in the Bundesliga last season. They didn't quite make the finishing line with Bayern but for the vast majority of the season they looked a serious threat. The boss Magath always thought it was a season to soon but he will be looking to take his side one step closer this season.
The Saturday night ESPN seaosn opens with what should be a Bundesliga classic pitching the Royal Blues against Hamburger. The media headlines will of course be dominated by the fact that Raul and Van Nistelrooy will be lining up on opposite sides. In a previous life they were the strike partnership for Real Madrid.
There is no doubt that this game will be close and whilst we think Schalke are a fair bet for the title we think the most likely outcome today will be a draw. 12/5 is the general top price in the bookies shopping mall.
