Schalke 04 - Match Preview

[Barbara 15,149]

Schalke 04 x Chelsea

Veltins-Arena – Gelsenkirchen, Germany – October 22,19h45 BST

The Match

Schalke 04 and Chelsea are going to face off each other in gameweek 3 into Champions League group E. Schalke is on top of the group standings with six points, three more than both Basel and Chelsea. After losing the opener at home against Basel, Chelsea has set a recovery campaign and a positive result against the Germans in very important for José Mourinho’s side continue their quest not only in the qualification for the knockout stage, but also the first position in group. Despite many injuries – old and new – coming their way, Schalke have won their first two matches and are yet to concede this term in Champions League. As usual in Germany, Chelsea should expect an incredible supportive atmosphere for the Royal Blues as their fans will push their side throughout the 90 minutes of play.

Players to watch

Schalke

§ Kevin-Prince Boateng – after being doubtful due to a knee injury, the midfield has been confirmed for tomorrow’s match, being one of the forces of Schalke’s strong midfield. Boateng has already scored three times in the Bundesliga and is a threat coming from behind

§ Julian Draxler – the player who was wished by a few English sides in the summer is on top of his form and has been working well with his two teammates in the attacking midfield as well as providing for Adam Szalai, their top scorer in the season

§ For a throughout analyzes on the opposition, please check the team scouting report by Sherry Williams.

Chelsea

§ Eden Hazard – the Belgian showed in the last matches for Chelsea and Belgium that he’s finally gaining sharpness again and he should cause trouble Schalke’s defense

§ Oscar – continues to carry on good form in the season, and as a player who does very well in European competitions, he should be an important asset for the Blues to pursue the away victory

Teams News

The German’s side has been plagued with injuries lately, and although they could start missing six of their best players, it seems like they’ll miss only four. On the brighter side, Jens Keller confirmed Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jermaine Jones have recovered from their problems and will be fit for the match. The same luck hasn’t reach Marco Höger and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who won’t feature again this year. In addition to them Jefferson Farfan and Kyriakos Papadopoulos aren’t fit yet to come back to pitch, carrying on their recovery processes.

Chelsea aren’t immune to the medical department restrictions and Ashley Cole hasn’t even traveled with the team to Gelsenkirchen. Replacing the left full-back Ryan Bertrand has showed great form during the match against Cardiff in the weekend and is ready to take the big responsibility in the Champions League match as well. André Schürrle on the other hand joined the group and is expected to be selected.

Expected lineups

Schalke: 4-2-3-1

Hildebrand

Uchida – Höwedes – Santana – Aogo

Neustädter – Goretzka

Meyer – Boateng – Draxler

Szalai

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1

Cech

Ivanovic – Luiz – Terry – Bertrand

Ramires – Lampard

Schürrle – Oscar – Hazard

Eto'o

Match Facts

§ Chelsea and Schalke had only met twice in their history, in the group stage of the 2007/08 UCL season. At the occasion Chelsea won at home (2x0) and drew in German territory (0x0)

§ Schalke and Barcelona are the only two teams yet to concede a goal in Champions League this season

§ In Germany, Schalke’s European record against English teams is W3, D2, L2 while Chelsea's record in Germany is W1, D3, L4

§ Jose Mourinho has lost all six of his European matches against German oppositions in Germany

§ Schalke are unbeaten in their last 13 CL group stage matches.

§ Schalke have scored in each of their last 11 CL games.

§ Schalke's last away game in London ended in a 2-0 win a Arsenal.

§ Chelsea have only won one of the last 7 CL matches in Germany (1-0 vs Stuttgart in 20040.

§ Schalke's 4 CL goals this season have came on the second half.

§ Daxler have scored two and assisted one of Schalke's 4 goals in the CL this season.

§ Eden Hazard has never scored in the CL in 13 games.

§ Chelsea have only failed to scored once in their last 22 CL matches (3-0 vs Juve).

Match Odds

Provided by SkyBet

Schalke 04: 19/10

Draw: 23/10

Chelsea: 11/8

Coverage

TV:

Belgium: Belgacom 11+

Canada: Sportsnet

India: Ten HD

Middle East: Al Jazeera

UK: Sky Sports 2

United States: Fox Soccer

For additional regions, please check here

Internet:

Streams are likely to be provided in the live match thread. In addition to that Talk Chelsea will provide live match commentary on its Twitter account.

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[CHOULO19 24,332]

Bump.

[Shakez 755]

Nice preview, but i doubt it that Mourinho is going to employ Schürrle on the right wing.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Nice preview, but i doubt it that Mourinho is going to employ Schürrle on the right wing.

I think he will. Draxler, on the left for Schalke, have been by far their best player and has been involved in 3 of their 4 CL goals this season (scored 2 and assisted 1). Andre is the best defensively among our possible options at RW, so it only makes sense to start him.

Plus, Andre knows Schalke and German football the best among our players, so his experience there could be valuable.

[Barbara 15,149]

I think he will. Draxler, on the left for Schalke, have been by far their best player and has been involved in 3 of their 4 CL goals this season (scored 2 and assisted 1). Andre is the best defensively among our possible options at RW, so it only makes sense to start him.

Plus, Andre knows Schalke and German football the best among our players, so his experience there could be valuable.

that's what I thought so too, and if Kevin was in better shape I'd even bet Mata would be the AM not used as he also has experience against German sides for the season he had for Werder Bremen. But Kevin doesn't seem to be in Mourinho's plans now so I expect Willian and Mata to feature in the bench along with Azpilicueta, Mikel and Torres.

But of course, Mourinho could use Mata instead. I just don't see this match being that fit for Mata to be honest. German teams are very fast and Mata is very slow and this Schalke side is especially fast in the flanks.

Also thanks for adding some more match facts to my report, you're a sweetie

(ps.: although you made a typo on Draxler's name, I'm fixing it here, but it can't be fixed in the main site)