Schalke v Manchester City: Match Preview, Team News, Predicted XI

Schalke v Manchester City: Match Preview, Team News, Predicted XI | Champions League 2018-19

Modified Feb 20, 2019 14:54 GMT

Can Manchester City continue to see off the Schalke challenge?

One of the tournament favourites, Manchester City will make the trip to Germany as they face off against Schalke 04 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 fixture.

The Royal Blues have had a season to forget so far with Domenico Tedesco and his men languishing 14th in the Bundesliga, just 8 points of the drop zone.

The European form though has been much better as the Miners qualified for the round of 16 after finishing runners up to Porto in Group D, losing just a single match in the process. Schalke will be looking to break their round of 16 curse after the side lost in the same stage of the competition the last 3 times.

One of the favourites to win the competition, Manchester City are in devastating form at the moment with Cityzens blazing past their last 2 opponents with ease. Pep Guardiola's men qualified for the round of 16 after finishing as group F toppers. Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 7 matches against German opponents.

Team News

Schalke 04

The defender is doubtful for the fixture

Domenico Tedesco will be without the services of Breel Embolo (metatarsal) and Alessandro Schopf (knee) while Benjamin Stambouli is doubtful for the fixture.

Omar Mascarell is another major concern with the midfielder out due to suspension.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has a mini injury concern in his defensive lineup with club captain Vincent Kompany doubtful while John Stones, Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph have been ruled out of the fixture.

Gabriel Jesus is another casualty with the young Brazilian also ruled out with injury along with long term absentee Claudio Bravo.