Last season, Hamburg almost lost out on promotion to the Bundesliga as Heidenheim advanced to Germany's top division thanks to two injury-time goals.
Hamburg will be anxious to open the new season alongside a win against a probable promotion opponent as it has been six seasons given that the former European champions last played in the top division.
After spending one season in the Bundesliga, Schalke are back in Bundesliga II and, like their hosts, are eager to start their season off well with a potentially significant win.
This matchup has historically proven to be a competitive one. Since 2016, six of their past seven encounters have ended in a BTTS, and Friday's opening match at the Volksparkstadion appears to be a good candidate for that result.
Hamburg will be anxious to open the new season alongside a win against a probable promotion opponent as it has been six seasons given that the former European champions last played in the top division.
After spending one season in the Bundesliga, Schalke are back in Bundesliga II and, like their hosts, are eager to start their season off well with a potentially significant win.
This matchup has historically proven to be a competitive one. Since 2016, six of their past seven encounters have ended in a BTTS, and Friday's opening match at the Volksparkstadion appears to be a good candidate for that result.