Leverkusen lead the Bundesliga on goal difference from Hoffenheim, with both sides on 25 points from 12 games; Leverkusen unbeaten in 5 games, but drew their last away to Karlsruhe (3-3) after storming into a 3-0 lead after 24 minutes.

That game may feel like a loss for Bruno Labbadia’s side but their move up to first place after Hoffenheim’s loss at Hertha should help make up for their disappointment.

Leverkusen have won 3 of last 4 meetings with Schalke, with the last two being won by late goals.

Schalke lost their last game at home to Bayern (1-2), bringing an 8-match unbeaten run to an end; they are 5 points behind Leverkusen in the table in 6th place. Despite that unbeaten record, they have won just twice out of their last 7 Bundesliga games (both away from home at bottom 4 sides Karlsruhe and Cottbus).

They have a decent 2-3-1 away from home this season, including draws against good sides Werder (1-1) and Hamburg (1-1). Last season, they limited the top sides away from home, taking 1-3-1 at the top 6 sides; in 14 matches against the top 8 last season (home and away), Schalke drew 7 times.

This game may well be decided with a late goal, but the draw is possible, as Schalke can hold the best sides away from home, and Leverkusen may be a little more cautious following their late collapse at Karlsruhe last week – the draw is offered at $3.40 from Bet365.

BETZINE UK TIP *****

Bet: Draw Odds: $3.40 Stake: 3.5pts Bookies: Bet365

Match Betting Previews 15-16 November 2008 >>> Premiership: Arsenal v Aston Villa - Blackburn v Sunderland - Bolton v Liverpool - Fulham v Spurs - Man United v Stoke - Newcastle v Wigan - WBA v Chelsea - West Ham v Portsmouth - Everton v Middlesbrough - Hull v Man City La Liga: Valencia v Gijon - Atletico v Deportivo - Recreativo v Barcelona Serie A: Palermo v Inter - Milan v Chievo - Roma v Lazio Ligue 1: Lyon v Bordeaux - Rennes v Monaco Bundesliga: Leverkusen v Schalke - Hertha v Hamburg