Real Madrid will look to put themselves in a commanding position in the away leg of their Champions League tie with Schalke.
Real Madrid's away record in Germany is terrible, but they're still strong favourites heading into their Champions League round of 16 away leg at Schalke 04. It has become increasingly apparent over recent weeks that Carlo Ancelotti's side are the best in Spain, opening up a three point gap at the top of the La Liga table and not losing since last October.
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Schalke have been impressive domestically too, but certainly aren't in Real Madrid's league. They're down in fourth in the Bundesliga, and they'd have to pull off a massive upset to progress to the quarterfinals -- not least because of their unfortunately lengthy injury list.
Jens Keller will be without Marco Höger, Dennis Aogo, Christian Clemens and Atsuto Uchida for the first leg in Gelsenkirchen, and both Benedikt Höwedes and Jan Kirchhoff face late fitness tests. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti only has one definite absentee, with Sami Khedira unable to make the trip to his homeland due to his long-term knee injury.
Schalke 04 injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco Höger (knee), Dennis Aogo (knee), Christian Clemens (pelvis), Atsuto Uchida (thigh). In doubt: Benedikt Höwedes (unspecified), Jan Kirchhoff (ankle).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Sami Khedira (knee). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Schalke 04: Timo Hildebrand; Sead Kolašinac, Felipe Santana, Joël Matip, Tim Hoogland; Roman Neustädter, Kevin-Prince Boateng; Julian Draxler, Max Meyer, Jefferson Farfán; Chinedu Obasi.
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Álvaro Arbeloa; Ángel di María, Xabi Alonso, Asier Illarramendi; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jesé.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer Plus (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 4/HD (U.K.), Sky Sport 2/HD (Germany), C+ Liga de Campeones / HD, Canal+ Yomvi (Spain)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), Sky Sports Events Centre (U.K.), Sky Go (Germany)