Preview: Schalke 04 vs. Basel

The German media has reported that there is more than just qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League riding on this game for Schalke 04 head coach Jens Keller.

Despite speculation that the club has the second-highest wage bill in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich, Schalke are currently sixth and seven points off the final Champions League qualification berth.

It is believed that if they were to lose to Swiss side Basel on Wednesday, then Keller could be sacked.

Basel go into the clash at the Veltins-Arena second in the group behind Chelsea and one point better off than Schalke in third.

As a result, avoiding defeat would see Murat Yakin's men advance through to the knockout stages, which would consign their hosts to the Europa League.

Schalke will be without midfielder Jermaine Jones because of suspension, while Dutch international centre-forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will play no part because of a knee ligament injury.

Basel also have concerns over Marcelo Diaz due to a muscular complaint that could keep him out of action until the end of December.

When these two sides met earlier in the group phase, Schalke ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a goal from young German international Julian Draxler.

Recent form

Schalke: WDDWLL

Basel: DWWWDD

Possible starting lineups

Schalke: Fahrmann; Uchida, Fuchs, Howedes, Matip; Neustadter, Boateng, Farfan, Draxler; Szalai, Meyer

Basel: Sommer; Voser, Ivanov, Schar, Xhaka; Stocker, Serey, Frei, Mohamed Salah, Mohamed El Nenny; Streller

Sports Mole says: 2-1