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The two teams will have to face Chelsea and Basel in this group, not a very tough setup but still every point and win is very important. Schalke will accept nothing less than advancing to the last 16 while Steaua Bucharest has nothing to lose and will try to get the 3rd place if possible.
The hosts were shaky in the start of the season, but they are starting to get into rhythm and are on a 2 match winning streak in Bundesliga, including a win over Leverkusen. Schalke has one of the strongest sides in recent years and recently they managed to signed Milan`s superstar Kevin Prince Boateng. Schalke has a brilliant line of support behind the striker, with Draxler, Boateng and Farfan. Huntelaar is the main poacher, but he could miss today (recovering from an injury), so Szalai should take his place. The hosts barely qualified against PAOK in the playoffs, but since then they have dramatically increased their level. Also, Schalke plays Bayern over the weekend, but their focus is on this game, as it is hugely important.
Steaua Bucharest had a great domestic season last year and looks to continue its great form this year, despite losing top goalscorer Rusescu. They are undefeated so far in all competitions. On the other hand, the romanians have not met any quality opponents so far. The domestic league is plagued by financial trouble, all top teams except Steaua being in all sorts of difficulties. The strongest opponent Steaua met so far this season was Legia Warszaw in the UCL playoffs, the romanians advancing with 2 draws (1-1, 2-2) after 2 tight games. The visitors lost their best player 2 weeks ago, centre-back Chiriches (sold to Tottenham). Steaua is confident and will not park the bus today, they`ll try to score and win at least a point.
Team news & lineups
Hunteelar will be a big blow if he does not play, but new boy Szalai has proved he can replace him with efficiency. Nevertheless, Huntelaar has big chances to be on the pitch in the second half. Other than that, Schalke does not have big squad problems and neither does Steaua.
Schalke: Hildrebrand – Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Aogo – Hoger, Neustadter – Draxler, Boateng, Farfan – Szalai
Steaua: Tatarusanu – Georgievski, Szukala, Gardos, Latovelvic – Pintilii, Bourceanu – Tanase, Stanciu, Popa – Piovaccari
Schalke has a huge advantage on the wings, with Draxler and Farfan being disastrous match-ups for poor right-back Georgievski and left back Latovlevic (a quality player, but very bad defender). With Chiriches gone, expect Steaua to have big problems in holding off Schalke`s excellent offense. Steaua can be strong at home (2-0 vs. Ajax, 1-0 vs. Chelsea last year in Europa League), but away they were always sure victims in european competitions. These two teams met 2 years ago in EL, Schalke won 2-1 at home (0-0 in Romania).
Steaua did not win in their last 17 Champions League games and a trip to Gelsenkirchen is not likely to break that run. Schalke is on a high after two consecutive wins, they are playing better and better and they should be able to cover the spread in front of inferior opposition due to their attacking options. Over 2,5 also looks like a good choice, with Steaua not coming here to defend in numbers, but I think 2-0 is more probable than 2-1, 3-2 or a high scoring draw. I really do not see any logical reason for Steaua to take anything here, and most likely they`ll lose by 2 or more.
Pick: Schalke (-1.25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.97 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9.70
Event date: 18 September
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