Schalke in wait for Lyon

Schalke will look to make the most of their home ground advantage when they host Champions League Group B leaders Lyon on Wednesday.

Lyon top the Group B standings on nine points, with Schalke second and Portuguese club Benfica a further point back. With the two Round of 16 slots still to be decided, Schalke coach Felix Magath wants to use the home clash at the Arena AufSchalke to overhaul the group pacesetters.

“This is our third home match. We comfortably won the first two so we will have a chance tomorrow as well – even though we are hosting Lyon, probably the strongest team in the group,” Magath said.

“We have to take care of our own situation and improve our own position by winning.”

Magath said his side would have to be wary of the threat posed by Lyon’s attacking threats, especially Brazilian winger Michel Bastos.

“Lyon are strong defensively and from this they use their attacking players such as Bastos,” Magath said.

“They are playing well and are always capable of scoring. That’s why it is important for us to be strong in defence. If we can, we will surely get chances to score as we have raised our attacking game in recent weeks.”

Schalke midfielder Junmin Hao is back in training after having his appendix removed, along with right-back Tim Hoogland after a knee problem. Left-back Christian Pander has made two reserve-team appearances after missing all of the 2009/10 campaign.

For Lyon, Argentinean striker Lisandro is doubtful with a calf strain, while central defender Cris and midfielder Clement Grenier will also be missing.