Preview: Sporting Lisbon vs. Schalke 04

Schalke 04 can take a big step towards the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday when they travel to Group G rivals Sporting Lisbon.

The Germans head into the match in second place in the table, two points behind leaders Chelsea and three points above third-placed Maribor.

Schalke claimed their first win of the campaign last time out as a late penalty saw them earn an incredible 4-3 triumph over Sporting at the Veltins-Arena.

New manager Roberto Di Matteo has enjoyed a solid start since taking over the German side last month, winning three of his first four games at the helm, and another victory in midweek would be sure to bring further optimism to the club.

Sporting make the trip to the Veltins-Arena at the bottom of Group G after taking just one point from their first three matches of this season's tournament.

Following their dramatic loss to Schalke two weeks ago, the Portuguese outfit's hopes of progressing are now hanging by a thread, though they will be hopeful of achieving a positive result in front of their own fans.

Julian Draxler, Jefferson Farfan, Fabian Giefer and Sead Kolasinac are all missing for the visitors, while Kevin-Prince Boateng and Joel Matip are doubtful. Sporting have no fresh injury concerns, but they will be without the suspended Mauricio.

Recent form

Sporting: LWWLWL

Schalke: DLWWLW

Possible starting lineups

Sporting: Patricio; Silva, Sarr, Oliveira, Cedric; Carvalho, Mario, Adrien; Nani, Slimani, Carrillo

Schalke: Fahrmann; Ayhan, Aogo, Howedes, Uchida; Hoger, Neustadter; Meyer, Clemens, Obasi; Huntelaar

Sports Mole says: 2-1