When the Group G draw was made, Chelsea were expected to run away with first place, leaving Schalke 04 and Sporting Lisbon scrapping over the all-important second slot. However, unlike Chelsea, the Portuguese side haven't lived up to expectations at all, and find themselves four points adrift of second-placed Schalke heading into their meeting at the José Alvalade in Lisbon on Wednesday. They're even below Slovenian side Maribor.
Sporting vs. Schalke, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Anything other than a win over Schalke on Wednesday would be bad news for struggling Sporting.
Martin Rose
That means that if Sporting want to stand any realistic chance of progressing into the Champions League knockout round, they need to win at home to Roberto Di Matteo’s outfit. If their recent performances are anything to go by, they don’t really stand a chance. Marco Silva’s side haven’t even been great domestically so far this season, and were stunned by Vitória Guimarães 3-0 in their last match. Heading into this match, Schalke are clear favourites.
Key player - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04)
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may now be 31 years old, but he’s showing no signs of a drop in performance levels. The Dutch striker has netted three times in as many games in the Champions League this season, and four in nine league games. Over the course of his career, he’s average well over a goal every two games in UEFA competition, and you’d be brave to bet against him getting on the scoresheet in this match.
Key matchup - Max Meyer vs. William Carvalho
There will be an intriguing battle in the centre of the pitch between two of Europe’s most talented young midfielders in this match, as Schalke playmaker Max Meyer goes up against Sporting’s gigantic anchorman William Carvalho. Alas, we won’t get to see Schalke wonderkid Julian Draxler, who is out until the end of the year with a thigh injury.
Sporting Lisbon injuries and suspensions
Out: Maurício (suspended). In doubt: None.
Schalke 04 injuries and suspensions
Out: Julian Draxler (thigh), Leon Goretzka (hamstring), Felipe Santana, Fabian Giefer (adductors), Sead Kolašinac, Jefferson Farfán (knee). In doubt: Joël Matip (foot), Kevin-Prince Boateng (ankle).
Sporting look set to only be without suspended defender Maurício after striker Islam Slimani recovered from an injury problem to make the bench in their last match. Unfortunately Schalke haven’t been quite so fortunate, and Roberto Di Matteo still has an incredible number of players sidelined through injury. However, Joël Matip and Kevin-Prince Boateng both stand outside chances of returning for this match.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sport TV1 (Portugal), Sky Sport 3/HD (Germany)
Online: ESPN3 Online-App, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes+ (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany)
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