Probable Lineups…
FC Schalke 04 (4-2-3-1): Fahrmann, Uchida, Matip, Howedes, Fuchs, Aogo, Neustadter, Choupo-Moting, Obasi, Boateng, Huntelaar
Roberto Di Matteo is set to face Chelsea for the first time since being sacked by the Blues six months after leading them to their first UEFA Champions League triumph back in 2012, now in charge of FC Schalke 04 who themselves axed head coach Jens Keller on October 7th. Schalke have several key players injured for the tie, with Sead Kolasinac, Julian Draxler, and Jefferson Farfan out for the clash. The likes of speedy winger Sidney Sam and Chinedu Obasi are also doubts, but the latter should be pass fit to start on the wing. Schalke will be happy to be playing at home, as the Bundesliga outfit haven’t won away in their last ten fixtures.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois, Luis, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Fabregas, Matic, Hazard, Ramires, Oscar, Costa
A win for Chelsea tonight will guarantee Jose Mourinho’s men in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League, and ‘The Special One’ has a fully fit squad to deploy at the Veltins Arena. The only dilemma on Mourinho’s agenda is whether to start Thibaut Courtois or Petr Cech in goal, but although initially using Cech in the Champions League, a falling out could see Courtois return between the posts in Europe as well. The Blues have been unbeaten all season and will be confident of getting the three points against a Schalke side still in transition after changing their manager last month.
What the fans are saying…
Remember this?
//www.youtube.com/embed/1x2trqSkekk
Chelsea convincingly beat Schalke away at the Veltins Arena 3-0 last season. Can they repeat the result this time round?
