Hildebrand to make Schalke bow

Tim Hildebrand is expected to make his debut for Schalke in the club’s Europa League match away to Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday.

Bundesliga club Schalke have already qualified from Group J of the Europa League with three wins and two draws from five matches played.

And they look set to rotate their squad in the final group-stage match against Israeli champions Haifa.

Hildebrand is likely to make his first appearance for Schalke in the match at the Kiryat-Eli’ezer Stadium.

The former Stuttgart and Valencia goalkeeper signed for the club on October 21 as cover for first-choice stopper Ralf Fahrmann.

“I am looking forward to play in the Europa League and to have my debut in the first team,” Hildebrand, 32, said.

“I’ve gained experiences with the second team, so I’m not nervous about it.”

“There is always a bit of tension, but the game isn’t about much anymore. The players who haven’t played lately can prove themselves and show their best performances.”

“I think Haifa have to win, so therefore there will be a lot for me to do in the match.”

Victory for Haifa would see them secure second spot behind Schalke in Group J, booking their place in the round of 32.

They sit one point ahead of Steaua Bucharest and AEK Larnaca, who are third and fourth respectively on five points, and meet in the Romanian capital on Wednesday.

Schalke defeated Haifa 3-1 at home in the first meeting between the teams on September 29, but defender Benedikt Howedes is expecting a more testing encounter in Israel.

“We must take it seriously even though we are already group winners and through,” Howedes said.

“We are taking the game seriously, especially those players who don’t play that often who will take their chance tomorrow. Of course we want to win the game.”

“Haifa are at home. We … found out in the first leg that they are a very tough opponent. The result, 3-1, didn’t properly reflect the way the game went, so we have to expect a good performance from them. It won’t be a walk in the park.”

The draw for the last 32 of the competition will take place on Friday.